After The Fall

Back On The Road

Ken and his friends move as quickly as they can. He's leading with Tyler and Mary-Jane by his side while Felix walks close behind, carrying Nate, who's still unconscious. Jack walks beside Stephanie, helping her move somewhat quickly and Mark's limping along behind them. They follow the road as quickly away from the town as possible. That was a terrible stop, not only did they lose someone, but they've lost some supplies, too.

They're not better off like this. Ken knows this, he knows they need to make another stop for supplies and shelter soon. They're all sick of camping in the woods, it took them so long to get out of there. And camping alongside the road isn't a smart option, either. Ken sighs, scratching at his beard in thought. He glances at Tyler, who looks back at him, "What?"

"We haven't talked about your arm.." Ken replies.

Tyler sighs, "It's not a bite, if that's what you're worried about. Those women back there tried to fillet me. I knocked one out and ran, and they chased me into the market"

"Oh," Ken frowns, "Well, we should probably take care of it soon. I'll check it out for you once we're safe for the night."

Tyler just nods, looking around. Mary-Jane is oddly quiet as well, trying to understand why healthy people are just as bad as the sick ones. Ken smiles at her and she smiles back, but doesn't try to start a conversation. The rest of the group is silent as well. Felix keeps his energy focused on keeping a hold of Nate. The last thing he wants to do is drop the injured man.

Jack, Stephanie, and Mark continue along in shared silence. Mark is panting a little, as is Stephanie for s different reason. No one really wants to talk. Everyone is feeling on edge about their last encounter in the town. They lost Marzia, and they almost lost Nate, Ken, and Tyler. They don't want to risk that again. So they keep walking along the barren road in shared silence. It's another chilly evening and they don't have long before nightfall.

They know they have to find somewhere to stay for the night, but they see nothing along the road ahead, and only forest to their left. Ken sighs, his steps slowing. He knows his friends will hate what he's about to suggest, but they have no choice. It's either this, or completely in the open. The others stop just behind him, all giving him confused glances.

"Why did we stop?" Felix asks.

"It's getting dark," Ken replies, "And we can't keep walking blind. So we have to make camp for the night."

"On the road?" Jack asks, "There's no where else around here."

"Not the road," Ken states, "In the woods."

"Just for tonight, right?" Felix asks.

Ken nods, "Just so we're hidden from anyone that might come looking."

They all agree and move into the woods. They only go far enough so a campfire won't be seen to easily. Jack helps Stephanie sit down and Mark gets out a sleeping bag and Felix lies Nate on it. They all set up camp while Ken gets the firewood. Once he comes back, he gets a small fire going, and they share some crackers and chips for dinner.

After they all eat, Felix takes watch of the camp while the others socialize for awhile. Ken gets some first aid supplies and walks over and sits beside Tyler, "So, how about we check out that arm?"

Tyler sighs and carefully takes off his jacket. His left arm has a long gash from the shoulder down to the elbow. His arm is covered in blood, dried and still fresh. Ken winces lightly and Tyler just sighs again, "Told you, they tried to fillet me."

"I see that.." Ken frowns and starts cleaning up the wound. He then wraps Tyler's arm in bandages, "Well, this is the best we'll be able to do. Should help."

Tyler puts his jacket back on, "Thanks."

"No problem," Ken smiles.

Tyler stares at him, frowning, "Not just.. For this.. For coming back for me. My mind's.. Not in the best place.. I said terrible things, and.. I did.. Terrible things.. I just.. Don't know how to function.. Normally.. Anymore.."

"You'll get through it." Ken nods, "And it'll be okay. If you want forgiveness for what's happened, show them that you can earn it."

"How can I possibly earn it when I'm the reason someone we knew died?" Tyler groans, "They're never going to forgive me."

"They're your friends, Tyler." Ken leans back, staring at Tyler intensely, "They're not heartless. You just have to remind them, that neither are you."

Tyler nods slowly, then looks away, "Thanks.. I'll have to keep that in mind.."

Ken smiles again and stands, "Good. You do that."

He gathers his supplies and returns to his tent. He goes inside and he sighs, smiling softly as he sees Mary-Jane has put her stuff in his tent and she's already asleep. He chuckles softly and prepares for bed himself. The rest of the group prepares to call it a night as well and Mark helps Stephanie get Nate into her tent.

Jack takes the first night shift guarding the camp. They have a long day ahead of them in the morning. They're still low on supplies and clothes for the cooling weather. If they don't find somewhere to settle in for the winter, they most likely won't survive it. Being out in the open is never a good thing, as they learned in the past months they've spent living in the woods.

But being out in the cold, with no shelter, will be much worse. Jack mulls this over in his head as he patrols the small campsite. Winter is coming, and they need to find a place to basically wait it out, and keep the group supplied long enough to last it. As much as he hates the idea of going back into another city, it might be their only chance of surviving the harsh months to come.