The Collapse of Mankind

Chapter Three, TCOM Part III

Sophia sighed, walking alongside Madison, down the long road, away from home.

Madison: Thank you... for coming with me.

Sophia looked up at her. And then back at the road ahead of her.

Sophia: I couldn't leave you, alone.
Madison: I'm shocked you came. You've been with the others for a really long time.
Sophia: They were being unfair. All of them.
Madison: Apart from Cisco.
Sophia: Yeah. Apart from him.

They reached a stream. It was icy, but not completely frozen.

Madison: Been a while since we saw a big amount of water, huh?

Sophia looked down at the stream, frowning and remembering what happened to Nick.

Sophia: Yeah.

Madison got on her knees, throwing the bag of supplies down by her side. She cupped her hands and filled them with the cold water.

Madison: Shit. That's so cold.

She brought it up to her face, splashing it. Sophia stood beind Madison, keeping guard.

Madison: You wanna splash your face?
Sophia: No, thanks.

In the past two years, Sophia had toughened up. She started the apocalypse needing constant attention and not knowing much. But with all the help and teaching from the group, she got stronger. She could stand up for herself and look after herself. Her mental age went from six to fourteen in the space of two years.

Sophia began walking away, searching for any food they could eat or anywhere they could stay. She didn't stray too far from Madison. But she went a little far away.

She saw a man walking through the woods and wanted to check it out. She silently took cover from behind a tree. She watched the man walk. He held a machete in his left hand. Sophia drew her bow and arrow, ready to shoot the man and take the machete. Until a gun was put to the back of her head. Her eyes widened as she dropped her weapon, raising her hands above her head.

The man noticed what was happening and began walking towards Sophia and the other person. As the man got closer, she recognized him as the man that warned her ex-group about Carter wanting to attack them. She remembered his name. Michael.

Michael smirked as he got closer to Sophia. He kicked her in the stomach. Sophia grunted and fell onto her hands and knees. The person with the gun slammed their rifle on Sophia's back, making her fall face first onto the ground. She grunted as the person pressed their shoe against Sophia's neck, causing her to be unable to move.

She noticed an arrow on the floor. Sophia quickly reached for it but it was soon kicked away by Michael.

Sophia could see Madison creeping around, trying to get an angle on one of the enemies. Michael turned around, also seeing Madison. Madison ran towards him with her pistol drawn. Michael drew his shotgun and aimed it at Madison.

Michael: I wouldn't, girl. Any closer, your friend might get her head blown off.
Unknown: Michael.

Sophia recognized the person's voice as a female. She immediately felt less intimidated.

Michael walked up to Madison, hitting her down with his shotgun. Sophia struggled.

Sophia: Don't!

Michael clenched onto Madison's jacket, pulling her up and dragging her over to Sophia. Considering Madison was twenty, she was skinny, small and weak. So she couldn't fight it.

Unknown: Madison. Just the girl I'm looking for. Didn't think I'd see you again.

Michael pointed down at Sophia.