(Earlier version) Flowerborn Part 1: The Arena

Chapter 18: Ache

After another hour of walking James notified us that there was a light on the map. 'An hour walk. There is a big chance that another group will be there first. Shall we take that chance and go?'

Toby looked at River and said with confidence: 'Yes.'

Altough I was really hungry and cold, but I saw that Kate and Faith could go on for longer. I have gotten close to them and I didn't want them to die. 'I don't know..' I said quietly. James looked surprised, but then said: 'Okay, let's vote. Raise your hand if you want to skip the supply drop.'

Faith raised her hand, mouthing 'I'm sorry' towards River and Toby. Kate, Emmeth and  Anna also raised their hands. That was five. Half. 'It's okay,' River said, 'I am probably not gonna make it, I don't want you all to die because of me.' He also raised his hand. 'No you can't do that to me', Toby said desperately. River answered with a comforting smile, and patted his head. It looked like he wanted to say something but he groaned instead because of the pain. I could still see blood seeping out of his wound.

-

After walking for a few minutes I started to feel even more guilty. I stood still. 'Wait.' They turned around. 'I want to go.' Kate looked startled at me, but then relaxed her face again. 'If Lucy goes, I am going with her.' Emmeth also nodded, following his sister. James sighed relieved, 'then it's settled. Let's go.'

Faith layed her hand on my shoulder and pointed at my throat. I cautiously touched the cut the boy or man had made the first night. I clenched my teeth and whimpered; the wound was starting to infect. Faiths face spoke more than words: it had gotten really bad. 'Don't worry, it's going to be okay.' She nodded uncertain and started walking again. I just hoped I had made the right choice. But whenever I looked at River I knew I had.