Thanks to gaara king of the sand for the help!
As the first rays of sunlight filtered through the cabin windows, Clementine found herself wide awake, tending to her responsibilities as a mother. She gently cradled her baby daughter, Diana, in her arm, her eyes filled with love and exhaustion. The night had been a restless one, with Diana needing her attention multiple times.
Danielle slept well for the most part, which Clementine was grateful for.
The sound of soft breathing filled the room as Danielle, still fast asleep, lay beside them on the couch, keeping Flopsie snuggled close to her.
Sam slept close to the couch as if to guard Clementine and the children.
As Clementine rocked Diana gently, the familiar sound of footsteps caught her attention. She turned her head to see Nick and Pete coming down the stairs, their bags slung over their shoulders.
"Morning," Clementine greeted, her voice quiet so as not to disturb Danielle's sleep.
"Morning," Nick mumbled, his gaze distant.
Pete offered a more cheerful response, a hint of excitement in his eyes. "Morning, Clem. Sleep okay?"
Clementine smiled, appreciating Pete's enthusiasm. "Yeah. I slept okay. Thanks for asking."
Nick remained silent, his expression clouded with a mix of emotions. Clementine was used to him being distant and withdrawn, but it concerned her. She wanted to reach out to him, to offer a listening ear or a comforting presence, but she also understood that sometimes people needed their space.
"You guys headed out?" Clementine asks.
"Pretty soon. If this boy would stop dragging his feet." Pete said.
"Whatever…" Nick muttered. "I'm not in the mood to deal with this today."
Clementine glanced over at Nick, who was still standing off to the side, seemingly lost in his thoughts. Concern flickered in her eyes. "Hey, Nick…Everything okay?"
Nick turned to look at her, his eyes shadowed with a mix of frustration and fatigue. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just tired, I guess."
Clementine studied his face, noticing the tension in his features. She knew there was more to it than just fatigue. "You sure?"
"Yeah." Nick sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's nothing, Clem. Just a lot on my mind lately. You know how it is."
Clementine nodded, understanding that sometimes people needed space to deal with their own thoughts. "Alright… If you need to talk or anything-"
"I don't. Thanks." With that Nick walked off to gather the rest of his gear.
"He okay?" Clementine noted that Nick seemed to be in a foul mood. Maybe he just wasn't a morning person, it was pretty early.
"He'll be fine. That boy got his mom's temper." Pete sighed. "Anyway… We had a pretty good haul the other day. I wanna check the fish traps and see if we get just as lucky today. Couple fresh brookies for dinner. How's that sound?"
Clementine smiled, appreciating Pete's attempt to lift the mood. "Fresh brookies sound amazing. It'll be a nice change of pace from the usual canned goods."
Pete chuckled, patting his stomach. "I reckon it will. Gotta keep things interesting, you know?"
As they gathered their gear and made final preparations, Nick remained quiet, his brows furrowed with an air of frustration. Clementine couldn't help but feel a pang of concern for him.
Pete walked over, clapping Nick on the shoulder. "Alright, let's quit the dilly-dallying and get going, partner. The fish ain't gonna catch themselves."
"No. The traps will." Nick's sarcastic tone wasn't missed by Pete or Clementine.
"Well, the traps won't bring 'em home. Let's not keep 'em waiting. We've got a good haul to bring back." Pete said.
Nick nodded, his gaze briefly meeting Clementine's before he turned away. "Yeah, let's get going."
As they made their way towards the door, Clementine watched them, her heart filled with a mixture of hope and worry. She hoped that the fishing trip would provide a much-needed distraction for Nick, a chance to find some peace within himself.
"Be careful out there," she called after them, her voice filled with genuine concern.
Pete turned back, a smile on his face. "Don't worry, Clem, we'll be back before you know it. Take care of these little ones while we're gone."
Clementine nodded, understanding the responsibility that fell on her shoulders. "I will. Safe travels, you two."
With that, Nick and Pete stepped outside, Alvin and Carlos who were conversing noticed them departing and spoke,
Clementine watched them closely, her brows furrowed with concern. She couldn't shake the nagging feeling that their departure would be more than just a routine fishing expedition. But she couldn't put her finger on what it was.
"You guys be careful out there," Carlos said, his voice tinged with worry. "And make sure to come back before dark."
Nick nodded, his expression serious. "We'll be back before you know it, Carlos. We're just going to check the traps and bring back some fresh fish."
As Nick and Pete made their way towards the edge of the camp, Alvin stepped forward, his eyes fixed on Nick. "Hey, Nick, take it easy out there, okay? We need you back here."
Nick gave a small nod, trying to reassure Alvin. "Don't worry, We'll be back soon."
Carlos sighed. "Please, just be careful. We don't know what's out there."
"We'll be fine. I promise." Pete said. "Let's move."
The two men walk away, their figures gradually becoming smaller in the distance before disappearing into the early morning mist.
The day had been a normal one. The group tending to their usual duties not straying from their typical routine. Sarah and Danielle played for a while, Clementine tended to her daughter.
Everything seemed normal. Like any other day.
But as the time continued to drift by the air was filled with a mix of anticipation and unease, a feeling that something wasn't quite right.
As evening started to settle in, Clementine couldn't help but grow increasingly worried. Nick and Pete had been gone for hours, much longer than they had anticipated.
Luke paced back and forth near the entrance of the cabin, his eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of their return. Sam sat by the worried man, trying to get his attention. Luke, who usually showered the dog in attention, couldn't even rip his gaze from the door to spare Sam a glance.
The rest of the group had noticed the absence as well- it was very clear when dinnertime rolled around. No fresh brookies, just simple oatmeal, served with a side of anxiety.
A sense of unease filled the air. Carlos and Alvin exchanged concerned glances, while Sarah clutched onto Clementine's arm, her eyes filled with worry.
"Where do you think they could be?" Sarah asked, her voice trembling slightly.
Clementine forced herself to stay calm, even though her own fears were gnawing at her. "I'm not sure, Sarah. Maybe they just got caught up with something. Let's give them a little more time."
"You don't have to worry about that, honey. Just finish your food." Carlos said.
Sarah obliged though both her and Danielle looked concerned.
Clementine exchanged a glance with Luke, both of them sharing an unspoken understanding. They both knew they couldn't ignore the possibility that something was amiss.
After dinner Sarah and Danielle were sent upstairs to play.
As the group gathered around, the minutes turned into another hour. Clementine's hope began to wane. She couldn't shake off the feeling that something was wrong. The world they lived in was unforgiving, and danger lurked around every corner.
Despite their worry mounting with each passing moment, the group continued to focus on the important tasks that needed to be done. And eventually settled the kids to bed. Clementine and Carlos both allowing Danielle to sleep in the room with Sarah for the night.
The adults gathered in the kitchen, Diana asleep in Clementine's lap.
Rebecca's anxiety became palpable, her eyes darting towards the horizon. "They should have been back by now. Something's not right."
Luke, unable to hide his concern any longer, turned to the group. "I think we need to go look for them. We can't just sit here and wait."
Carlos hesitated; his voice laced with doubt. "But what if we walk into danger? We don't even know what happened to them."
"We can't leave them out there, Carlos. They're part of our group. If something happened to them, we have to find out." Luke said.
Alvin, his worry etched on his face, nodded in agreement. "Luke's right. We can't abandon them."
"But what if… What if it was him?" Rebecca's words dampened the mood further.
For everyone besides Clementine the possibility of Carver's involvement weighed heavily on their minds. Whispers and anxious glances were exchanged, and the tension in the air grew palpable.
The group huddled together, their faces filled with concern and uncertainty. The absence of Nick and Pete weighed heavily on their minds, and whispers of Carver's involvement circulated among them. Clementine, sensing the tension and confusion, finally spoke up, her voice calm yet curious.
Clementine, her brow furrowed with confusion and concern, finally spoke up. "Who is Carver? I keep hearing his name, but I don't know who he is." She asked, her gaze shifting from one person to another, searching for answers.
The group exchanged looks.
Rebecca, her eyes shadowed with worry, turned to Clementine and took a deep breath before responding. "Carver... he's a man we used to know. He was the leader of a group we were with before we found this cabin."
Carlos interjected, his voice filled with caution. "He is a dangerous man, Clementine. Ruthless and unpredictable. We had to leave his group because... well, because he became too dangerous to stay with."
Rebecca, her face filled with a mixture of fear and anger, turned to Clementine. "…He's ruthless, violent, and he'll do whatever it takes to get what he wants."
Luke, who had been silent until now, added, "Carver was obsessed with power and control. He would do anything to keep his authority, even if it meant hurting others."
Clementine's eyes widened as she took in their words, her mind racing to comprehend the gravity of the situation. "So, you think Carver might have something to do with Nick and Pete's disappearance?"
Carlos nodded, his voice filled with a mix of fear and determination. "It's a possibility. Carver has a reputation for seeking revenge and asserting dominance. We had been worried that he… might come after us."
Clementine's eyes widened, her mind trying to process the gravity of the situation. She had encountered many dangerous people in her journey, but the description of Carver painted a picture of someone truly menacing.
Luke added, " He's a threat not just to us, but to anyone he comes across."
Alvin, who had been listening quietly, spoke up with a hint of anger in his voice. "If Carver is involved, we need to be prepared. We can't let him harm anyone else."
Carlos nodded in agreement. "We have to stay vigilant and protect each other. If Carver is out there, we need to be ready for whatever he throws at us."
Clementine's determination grew as she absorbed the information, her mind already strategizing. "We can't just sit here and wait for him to come. We should gather supplies and come up with a plan. We need to be prepared to defend ourselves."
"We need to be prepared to move on. You don't know what that man is capable of." Luke said. "Look… we need to find out what happened to Nick and Pete. If Carver is involved, we can't afford to wait. We have to act."
"What do you suggest?" Carlos asked.
"I'm going to go after them, bring them back." Luke said voice steady but determined. "We can't just wait here. They might be in trouble, and we need to find out what's happened."
"You can't go out there alone." Clementine said.
"Well you can't come with you got two kids to look after, Carlos has Sarah, and Rebecca is pregnant." Luke replied.
"…I'll go." Alvin spoke after a moment.
"Alvin, no!" Rebecca exclaimed.
"What other choice do we have, Bec?" Alvin asked.
"It's too dangerous! You can't go!" Rebecca said.
"Rebecca's right." Carlos said. "It might not be safe out there. We don't know what's happened. We should wait until morning."
Luke shook her head. "I can't just sit here. Nick is my friend. He and Pete are family. We have to do something. I'll be careful, I promise."
Alvin placed a hand on Luke's shoulder, nodding in agreement. "Luke's right. We can't just leave them out there. We'll go together, keep an eye out for each other."
Luke sighed, realizing the urgency of the situation. "Right. We'll stick together."
"I can't believe what I'm hearing!" Rebecca huffed getting up from the table.
"Bec!" Alvin sighed.
But the woman angrily stormed from the room.
"Bec!" Alvin quickly stood to go after her.
As the group grappled with the disappearance of Nick and Pete, tensions ran high, and emotions were raw. Alvin and Rebecca found themselves locked in a heated argument, their voices echoing through the darkness.
Rebecca's eyes welled up with tears as she pleaded with Alvin, her voice trembling with fear and frustration. "You can't go, Alvin! What if something happens to you too? We can't lose anyone else! We need you here with us."
Alvin's face hardened; his voice tinged with determination. "Rebecca, we can't just sit here and do nothing. They're out there, and they need our help. We can't abandon them."
Rebecca's voice quivered with anger as she fought back tears. "You always think you're the hero, don't you? Always ready to risk your life for someone else. But what about us? What about our baby? What if something happens to you and you never come back?"
Alvin's expression softened, a mix of love and concern in his eyes. He reached out to hold Rebecca's trembling hands. "I understand your fear, Rebecca. I do. But we can't let fear control us. We have to do everything we can to find them. Luke and I will be careful, I promise. We'll come back to you."
Rebecca pulled her hands away, her voice choked with tears. "Promise me, Alvin. Promise me you'll come back. I can't lose you too."
Alvin held Rebecca close, his embrace filled with warmth and reassurance. "I promise, Rebecca. I'll come back to you. We'll find them and come back."
Their embrace lingered for a moment longer before Alvin gently pulled away, determined to fulfill his promise.
Soon after the couple returned to the kitchen and Alvin looked to Luke who had turned to Luke, "Let's go, Luke," Alvin said firmly. "We need to find Nick and Pete. The rest of you stay here, stay safe. We'll be back as soon as we can."
Luke nodded in agreement.
As Alvin and Luke prepared to leave, the rest of the group watched in silence, their faces a mix of worry and hope.
Clementine stepped forward; her voice filled with quiet determination. "Bring them back and come back too."
Luke nodded, a flicker of determination in his gaze. "We'll do our best, Clementine. Take care of everyone while we're gone."
With that, Alvin and Luke disappeared into the darkness, leaving the group behind. The night seemed even colder without them, but the hope of their safe return kept their spirits alive.
Rebecca sank to the ground, her face buried in her hands as tears streamed down her cheeks. Clementine approached her, offering a comforting presence.
Despite their differences Clementine could see the woman needed comfort in this moment.
"They'll be okay, Rebecca," Clementine said softly. "They'll come back."
Rebecca nodded, her voice choked with emotion. "I hope you're right, Clementine. I can't bear losing anyone else. I… I'm going to bed."
Rebecca hurriedly headed upstairs.
Carlos sighed. "…We should probably try to rest as well… We'll see what happens in the morning."
"Yeah…" Clementine could only hope for good news the next morning.
As the morning sun cast its soft glow over the cabin, the adults gathered in a somber silence, their hearts heavy with worry. Luke and Alvin had not returned, and the anxiety within the group grew with each passing moment.
As the hours stretched on, hope began to fade, replaced by a somber realization. Nick and Pete were gone, and they might never know what had befallen them, and now Luke and Alvin were missing too.
Rebecca and Carlos sat in the kitchen, their faces etched with concern. They exchanged worried glances, their voices hushed as they deliberated their next course of action.
"We can't just wait here forever, Carlos," Rebecca whispered, her voice tinged with fear. "Something must have happened to them. We need to go out and find them."
Carlos's brows furrowed, his eyes reflecting his own internal conflict. "Rebecca, it's dangerous out there. We don't know what they might be facing. We can't risk losing more people."
Rebecca's voice quivered with determination. "I understand the risks, Carlos, but we can't abandon them. Luke is like family to us, and my husband is risking his life to find them. We have to do something."
Carlos sighed, his shoulders slumping with the weight of the decision. "I don't want to lose anyone else either, Rebecca. But we have to think about the safety of the children. We can't leave them vulnerable."
Rebecca's eyes filled with tears, her voice pleading. "There must be something we can do. We can't just sit here, waiting for the worst. We have to take action."
Carlos's gaze softened as he looked at Rebecca, his voice filled with a mix of love and concern. "I know your heart is in the right place, Rebecca but—"
"This isn't up for debate, Carlos! We gotta go!" Rebecca said.
"Just hold on a minute."
Rebecca sent him a look, raising her voice. "My husband is still out there! Get the guns!"
Carlos hesitated for a moment before obliging.
"You were wrong… They're still not back yet." Rebecca spoke to Clementine who stood at the doorway. "I told them not to go. Damn it, Luke!"
Carlos soon returns and hands Rebecca a rifle. Rebecca walks out the door without another word.
"Clementine, can you... can you please watch Sarah?" Carlos asks. "Just distract her. And don't tell her anything. She gets... nervous…"
Clementine nodded. "I'll take care of her. You can trust me."
"Thank you." Carlos said. "You'll be safe inside. Just don't open the doors for anything. We'll be back soon. And... thank you."
Carlos and Rebecca head off, leaving behind the safety of the cabin and venturing into the unknown. Their hearts were filled with worry, but also with the flicker of hope that they would reunite with their missing group members and bring them back to the shelter and the loved ones.
Clementine locks the door as the two leave and goes into the other room to tend to baby Diana.
Sam whimpers a bit at the door.
"Hey, buddy… It's okay… They'll be back." At least she hopes so.
"Clem?" Danielle's voice draws her attention as the young girl descends down the stairs.
"Hey, kiddo. Did you sleep okay?" Clementine greeted.
"I guess so…" Danielle said then called to the dog. "Hi Sam!"
Sam however remained stationed by the door, whining some more.
"Is… Sam okay?" Danielle asked.
"Yeah… He's fine… He's just worried." Clementine said.
"Why?" Danielle asks. "Did Nick and Pete come back?"
"Not yet… And everybody else went out looking for them." Clementine said.
Danielle furrowed her brows. "Everybody else… But… what if they get lost too?"
"They won't. Safety in numbers…" Clementine replied, trying to stay hopeful.
"If… you say so." Danielle said.
"You hungry? I think we still have some oatmeal leftover." Clementine said.
"I'm okay for now… We could ask Sarah though." Danielle responded.
"Yeah. I wanted to check on her anyway." Clementine said.
Danielle nodded, her gaze drifting to the baby in Clementine's arm. "How's Diana?"
Clementine smiled, gently rocking Diana back and forth. "She's doing well, you wanna say hello?"
Danielle eagerly approached, her face lighting up as she gazed at the baby. "Hi, Diana," she whispered, reaching out to stroke the baby's tiny hand. "I hope you slept okay too."
Clementine's heart swelled with pride and affection. Danielle had grown so much during their time together from a frightened little girl to a brave and caring young girl. She knew that Danielle would always do her best to shield Diana from the harsh realities of their world. "You wanna keep an eye on her while I check on Sarah?"
"Sure." Danielle said, allowing Clementine to pass the baby to her.
Clementine goes upstairs. When she opens the door, Sarah points an instant camera at her. "Say cheese!"
The teen takes a picture, causing Clementine to jump a bit.
"I found this under the house! There's all kid of cool things there!" Sarah said. "Danielle and I took some pictures of each other! Wanna see them?"
"Sure."
Sarah smiled grabbing some of the pictures to share. "I told her to get me in a good pose." Sarah said. "Do you like them.
"They're nice pictures, Sarah." Clementine kindly commented before handing them back.
Sarah placed the pictures onto the dresser and Sarah smiled but her smile quickly vanishes as she notices Clementine's expression "What's wrong? Um, where's my dad? Clem?"
Clementine sighed, "You should know what's going on."
"…He told you not to tell me, didn't he?" Sarah frowned. "Oh, my gosh. What happened? Clem? What's going on?"
Clementine tried to reassure the teen, "They went to find the others. It'll be fine, Sarah. They're smart people."
Sarah turns around and takes several deep breaths. "Sorry, I just need to..." Sarah sits down and wraps her arms around her knees.
Clementine sat down next to Sarah, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. She understood Sarah's confusion and concern, but she also knew that revealing the full truth could potentially add to her distress. Taking a deep breath, Clementine chose her words carefully. "Calm down, Sarah. Your dad will be back soon. He wanted to help find the others… and it could take some time. It doesn't mean anything bad happened."
Sarah's eyes were filled with worry and uncertainty as she looked up at Clementine. "But why didn't they tell me? Why didn't they say goodbye?"
Clementine sighed softly, trying to alleviate Sarah's fears. "Your dad probably didn't want you to worry or get upset. He thought it would be easier if you found out later when they were already back. They're smart people, Sarah. They know what they're doing."
Sarah nodded, her grip on her knees loosening slightly. "I'm just scared, Clem. Scared of losing people."
Clementine pulled Sarah into a gentle hug, offering her comfort. "I understand, Sarah. We've all lost people we care about, and it's hard. But we're here for each other, and we'll get through this together. You're not alone."
Sarah leaned into the embrace, tears welling up in her eyes. "I don't want to lose anyone, Clem. I- I need my dad…"
"He'll be back. Trust me." Clementine held Sarah tighter, her voice filled with reassurance. "We'll do everything we can to keep everyone safe. We won't let anything happen to the people we care about."
As they sat there, wrapped in each other's embrace, Clementine knew that Sarah's fear wouldn't easily fade away. The world they lived in was unpredictable and unforgiving, but she was determined to be a pillar of strength for Sarah and the rest of the group.
After a while Sarah spoke, "You wanna see what I found?"
"Sure." Clementine says only to be shocked when Sarah takes out a gun from under the bed.
"Will you show me how to use it? I couldn't find any bullets." Sarah says. "If something's wrong, I should know. What if I have to use one? Nobody tells me anything."
"Okay, but it's not a toy." Clementine said.
Sarah nodded. "I know."
"First, remember it's just an object." Clementine said.
"Okay…" Sarah said. "I thought it'd be heavier. Okay, what do I do?"
Clementine helps Sarah hold the gun correctly. "The most important thing is, always aim for the head."
Sarah nodded.
"Unless it's a person trying to hurt you.
"Then what do I do?" Sarah asks.
"Just keep shooting."
"What should I shoot?" Sarah points the gun at Clementine who flinches.
"Don't do that!" Clementine said.
Sarah quickly lowers the gun. "Sorry! Sorry! Maybe I could practice outside? There's that tree." Sarah looks out the window and notices a figure. "Hey, Luke's back!"
"Wait, what?" Clementine looks out the window but can't see anyone. "Shit…"
The two quickly make their way downstairs where Diana is now crawling around as Danielle watched her.
Danielle spoke when she saw her, "Clem, I'm kind of hungry now. Can you—"
"Shh…" Clementine hushed the child.
"What's wrong?" Danielle asked, confused.
"There's someone outside." Clementine replied.
Danielle's face paled at that.
Sam still stationed by the door began to growl, Clementine quickly tried to hush the dog.
Sarah peeks at the door but frowns. "That's not Luke. Clem, I think I know him."
In the mist of conversation, the stranger knocks on the door.
"He can't see me. You have to make him go away." Sarah panicked.
"Who is he?" Danielle asked.
Sarah just shook her head, unable to recall his name in her state of panic. "I- I can't… I can't."
"Calm down. You need to find somewhere to hide." Clementine whispered.
"Where?" Sarah asked.
The stranger knocks again, harder this time. "Hello...?"
Sarah begins to panic more. "Clem, I can't breathe... I can't breathe!
"Shh. The door's locked but we need to hide now. Danielle, take Sarah upstairs and go hide."
"What about you?" Danielle asked. "And Diana?"
"We'll be fine. Now go."
Clementine grabbed at Sam's collar to pull the growling dog from the door, hoping the man hadn't heard him. She knew if that was in fact Carver and if Carver was as ruthless as the group described him, he'd have no problem shooting Sam if the dog tried anything.
"Come on, boy." She said in a hushed tone before looking to the girls. "Get upstairs, now."
Danielle motioned for Sarah to follow her as they quietly made their way up the stairs, their steps barely making a sound. The adrenaline coursed through Danielle's veins as she led Sarah into her room with Sam following behind.
Clementine could hear the man on the other side of the door rattling the locked doorknob. Picking Diana up in her arm, Clementine took a deep breath, her mind racing with thoughts of what might happen next. She couldn't afford to panic. She had to protect Sarah, Danielle, and her daughter at all costs.
Holding her baby daughter, Diana, close to her chest she readied for what to come, determined to protect her child with her life.
Clementine bit her lip, drawing blood. She knew confronting the man directly would only escalate the situation, all they could do now was hide.
She didn't get the chance to however as it wasn't long before a loud crash was heard, making the young mother flinch.
"Sarah, hurry," Danielle whispered urgently, her voice filled with urgency. "We need to hide. And be quiet, no matter what happens."
Sarah's eyes widened with fear, but she nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation, as she followed Danielle into her room.
Danielle looked around for a place to hide. In the midst of their fear, they were accompanied by the presence of Sam.
Sam, sensing their anxiety, pressed himself against their legs, offering silent support. Danielle softly stroked his fur, hoping that his presence wouldn't give away their hiding spot.
"Sarah, we have to—"
"Under here." Sarah said. Without another word, she crawled under the bed, her trembling form disappearing from view.
As Sarah crouched down under the bed, her heart racing, Danielle couldn't help but voice her concerns. "Sarah, I don't think this is a good hiding spot," Danielle whispered urgently. "What if he looks under the bed? We should find another place!"
Sarah's face tightened with concern, knowing that Danielle was right. The bed seemed like an obvious hiding spot, and Carver might check there first, but she was too scared to move. The crashing sound of the front door being forced open, made both girls flinch.
"I know, Danielle, but we don't have much time," Sarah replied, her voice scared.
Danielle hesitated for a moment, her eyes flickering between Sarah and the approaching footsteps. She had faced dangerous situations before and had the experience to make tough decisions, but they were crunched for time. Reluctantly, she nodded and squeezed under the bed alongside Sarah.
The two girls huddled together in the tight space, their breaths shallow and rapid. They held onto each other, their small hands gripping tightly as they listened intently to the sound of the footsteps growing closer.
He had kicked the door in and now she was standing face to face with this unknown man. Holding her baby in her arms as her heart pounded in her chest.
The man looks surprised to see her. He cleared his throat and straightened up. "Sorry about the door. I wasn't aware this place was occupied."
"Yeah… It is." Clementine said, trying to keep calm.
"I can see that now. I knocked." The man said.
"…My daughter was fussing." Clementine lied.
"I see." The man said. "Is it just you and the baby? Are you on your own?"
"At this moment." Clementine replied.
"I can't remember the last time I saw a little one. How old?"
"Over a year now." Was the response she offered.
"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you." The man said, as if he hadn't kicked the door in.
Clementine quickly notices that the man is armed with a pistol.
"My family and I are set up a ways downriver. I'm... kinda surprised we haven't run into each other yet. What's your name?" The man asked.
"What's YOUR name?" Clementine asked back.
"My name is George, honey. I'd shake your hand but you clearly have yours full."
Clementine didn't respond to that comment, but did note it sounded insulting…
"You mind if I come in for a bit?" The man asked.
"Actually, I do mind-"
The stranger doesn't seem to care as he invites himself in anyway. "This is a nice place. Is there anyone around? You don't usually see cabins this big out here. Sure, could pack a lot of folks in there."
"Took us a while to find it." Clementine said, honestly while staying vague.
"Really?"
"Really."
"Well, I'll cut to the chase; I'm looking for my people. Eight of them, to be exact. They've been gone a long while and... I'm worried they might've gotten lost. Maybe you've seen 'em. Couple of farm boys, a fiesty middle aged lady, and an old man, ... Spanish guy and his daughter. Quiet girl. A big black guy. And a pretty little pregnant lady."
"That's a lot of people to lose." Clementine noted.
"Tell me about it. This whole damn thing's a pain in the ass." The man scanned the room then enters the kitchen. Clementine follows him. He notices the dirty dishes piled in the sink. "Lotta plates for you and a baby. Looks like a tornado ran through here."
"Hard to get around to doing the dishes with a baby." Clementine said. "Plus, in case you haven't noticed, I'm missing an arm."
"I've noticed, honey. How'd that happen anyway?" The man asked.
"An accident… I didn't cut it off just for kicks and giggles." Clementine replied.
"You just passin' through, or you been here a while? Hey, listen, I hope you're not one of those nuts headed up north, lookin' for Shangri-La. Now, I'm not sure why you'd go anywhere after findin' this place. Hell, I just got here, and I already don't want to leave."
"Seems a lot of people are headed north lately. Where are you headed?" Clementine asked.
"Not north." The man scoffed. Whole lot of people headed that way lately. Me, I don't get it. Just as much nothin' up there as there is down here. And I can't stand that Yankee weather.
"The cold slows them down." Clementine said, adjusting Diana in her arms, not realizing her bandage coming loose,
"Well, that's not worth the trade, in my opinion." The man said.
Clementine gaze falls upon a knife left on the counter. For a moment she thinks about putting her daughter down and grabbing it but knows it's too risky.
She flinches when he grabs the knife. "Where does this go?"
"In... the drawer..." Clementine inwardly swore at herself for the hesitation in her voice.
Regardless, the man puts the knife in a drawer. He then walks into the living room, and Clementine follows.
"Well, this is a real nice place. Kinda cozy." His gaze falls on a plaid shirt draped over the couch. "I knew a guy that always wore shirts like this. Doctor. Real smug son of a bitch. But a smart man. I miss him."
"I always wanted to be a doctor myself." Clementine said, hoping to change the topic of the conversation.
"Really?"
"Never really got around to that." Clementine muttered.
Carver doesn't respond to that, if he even heard her. He instead looks at the chessboard on the coffee table. "Well, well...white's in trouble. Three moves away from checkmate. You play?"
"I used to... I just practice now and then." She adjusted Diana once more, wincing slightly as she brushes her arm. "Something to do when there's nothing to do."
"If that's not the truth." As 'George' continued to scrutinize Clementine, his gaze shifted to her exposed arm, where the makeshift bandage had come undone. His eyes narrowed, suspicion mingling with curiosity.
"What happened to your arm?" The man's voice was laced with a dangerous edge, his hand inching closer to the pistol at his side.
"I told you… I loss it due to an accident…" Clementine said.
"Not that arm…" The man said.
Clementine's heart raced, her mind racing to come up with an explanation that would satisfy him. "I got hurt a while back..."
The man's gaze remained fixed on her, a flicker of doubt in his eyes. "Uh-huh. Well, you know how it is out there. Infections can spread pretty quick." His words held an unspoken threat.
Clementine nodded, her grip on Diana tightening ever so slightly. She could feel the weight of the situation, the danger that hung in the air like a storm cloud. She knew that he could easily turn violent, and she needed to tread carefully. "I—"
"You're bit."
The room seemed to freeze as his words hung in the air. Clementine's grip on Diana tightened, her mind racing for a response that would keep her safe, keep her daughter safe.
As the man's voice trailed off, the silence hung heavily in the room. Clementine's heart raced, and she felt a lump in her throat. She had to respond, but her mind raced through her options. Should she lie? Should she tell the truth? What would give her the best chance to survive this encounter?
She took a deep breath, her fingers brushing against the bandage on her arm. Her gaze remained locked with his, her expression carefully neutral.
"It's an old wound," she finally said, her voice steady. "I got lucky. It's healing."
His gaze remained fixed on her, his expression inscrutable. The weight of his scrutiny bore down on Clementine, and she held her breath, praying that her words had been convincing enough.
After a tense moment, the man's lips curled into a smirk. "Lucky you," he replied, a hint of false amusement in his tone. "Guess those things aren't as deadly as we thought."
Clementine exhaled a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding, relief washing over her. She offered a tight smile, her heart still racing but her determination unwavering.
The man's attention seemed to shift, his eyes flickering to Diana. "So, you've got a little one to look after. Must be a handful."
Clementine's grip on Diana tightened, a protective instinct surging through her. "She's my world," she said softly, her voice filled with both vulnerability and strength. "I really think you should leave. We're not looking for trouble, just trying to survive. You won't find your people here." She tried to inject a note of pleading into her tone, hoping to appeal to whatever humanity Carver might have left.
His lips curled into a humorless smile, his gaze shifting between Clementine and Diana. "You think you're pretty clever, huh? Trying to play me for a fool?"
Clementine maintained her composure, her eyes locked onto his. She had to think fast, to come up with a way to keep him talking, to keep his attention away from the hidden girls upstairs.
"I'm not trying to play anyone," she replied evenly. "I'm just a mother trying to keep her daughter safe. We've been through enough already. We don't want trouble."
The man's eyes narrowed; skepticism etched across his face. "Trouble seems to follow people these days, whether they want it or not."
Clementine's mind raced, searching for any way to divert his attention. "Look, I just want to be here for my baby. She doesn't know anything about what's happening out there. She's innocent."
His gaze flickered to Diana, his expression softening for a brief moment before hardening again. "Innocence doesn't mean much in this world, does it? Put the baby down."
"What?"
"Put. The. Baby. Down."
Danielle could feel her heart pounding as she hoped for both Sam and Sarah to keep quiet.
She could hear the stranger's movements downstairs and soon enough knew he would come upstairs.
When she heard footsteps start up the steps she had to hiss at Sarah to "be quiet" for what felt like the tenth time.
Sarah only nodded, doing her best to control her trembling and keep her breath steady.
The footsteps grew closer Danielle's heart felt like it was going to burst out of her chest. She held her breath, praying that Sarah and Sam would stay quiet.
Sarah clung to Danielle, fighting back tears that threatened to stream down her face. Sam whimpered softly, sensing their distress.
Seconds felt like agonizing hours as they remained concealed under the bed.
They could hear hushed voices downstairs and could only wonder what was happening.
However, the more time past the more anxious Danielle felt, and when Diana's cries pierced the air, the child knew she couldn't just stay put. Something bad was happening and she had to help.
Minutes felt like hours as the tension built, and Clementine silently willed Carver to leave. She held Diana even closer, her heart pounding in her chest.
"Put the baby down, honey… We wouldn't want her getting hurt now, would we?"
The tension in the room was palpable as 'George's' demand hung in the air. Clementine reluctantly lowered her baby daughter, Diana, onto the floor. The innocent cries of the child seemed to underscore the gravity of the situation.
The man's gaze shifted to the baby, "Smart move," he muttered, the corners of his lips curling into a cold smile.
Clementine's mind raced, her heart pounding as she tried to think of her next move. She had to protect her daughter at all costs.
Clementine's mind raced, trying to buy time, to keep him talking and distracted. She swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest. "You don't have to do this... You've seen we're just a mother and her baby. We're not a threat to you."
"Oh, I've seen plenty. Survivors, mothers, babies... everyone's got a story." Was the response.
"We're not a threat to you. We just want to be left alone." Clementine said.
His grip on the gun remained unwavering. "Left alone, huh? In this world? That's a luxury, honey."
Clementine's eyes never left his face, her thoughts racing for a way to disarm him.
As Danielle and Sarah hid under the bed, the tension in the room became almost unbearable. The muffled voices downstairs sent shivers down their spines, and the fear of the unknown gripped them both. Sarah's grip on Danielle's arm tightened, her knuckles turning white as she clung to her friend.
Then, the cries of Clementine's baby shattered the silence like a gunshot. The sudden sound jolted both girls, their hearts racing even faster. Danielle exchanged a panicked glance with Sarah, their eyes wide with terror. Something was terribly wrong downstairs, and the urgency of the situation was mounting.
Danielle's mind raced as she tried to come up with a plan. She couldn't just stay hidden and let whatever was happening escalate. Despite the danger, she knew she had to take action to protect her friends and herself.
With a slow, deliberate movement, Danielle eased herself out from under the bed. She crouched low, her heart pounding in her chest, as she made her way to the bedroom door. As she reached the hallway, the voices downstairs grew louder, but she couldn't make out the words. Her eyes darted around, searching for anything she could use as a weapon. Spotting a heavy lamp on a nearby table, she grabbed it and held it in her trembling hands, her knuckles turning white from the tension.
From the stairs she spotted him, and she tossed the lamp.
The lamp collided with the stranger's back and he let out a startled shout as he stumbled. Danielle's heart raced as adrenaline coursed through her veins. She couldn't let up now.
With a surge of determination, Danielle launched herself at him, her desperation lending her strength. The element of surprise worked in her favor, drawing his attention away from Clementine.
But the stranger was bigger and stronger, and with a powerful shove, he managed to throw her off.
"Get off me, you little shit!" The stranger's voice was a mixture of surprise and rage. His gun clattered to the ground, its metallic echo adding to the chaos of the situation. Just as he managed to throw Danielle off, they heard a guttural growl. Sam raced down the steps and lunged forward with a ferocious growl, his teeth sinking into the man's leg. The man's shout of pain filled the room as he tried to shake the dog off.
Danielle had crashed to the ground, her vision momentarily swimming as she fought to regain her bearings.
Sarah, emboldened by the unexpected turn of events, stood on the stairs, a heavy book in her hands. With some hesitation she dropped the object onto the man's head, the impact causing him to stumble.
The room was a whirlwind of chaos, but Clementine seized the opportunity. She scooped up Diana and called for the girls.
As the stranger focused on freeing himself from Sam's grasp, and the impact her had taken from the book, Danielle noticed the gun and reached for the weapon. With the gun in her little hands, she took aim. Her fingers closed around the cold metal, and she squeezed the trigger.
Click... Nothing happened. The gun had jammed.
The girl sat in shock for a moment before Clementine's voice pulled her back to the present. Danielle scrambled to her feet and made a dash to the door, Sarah following suit.
"Run!" Clementine's voice was urgent as they sprinted outside. Clementine glanced back to see Sam running after the, granting her some relief that the dog was okay.
Diana's cries mixed with their hurried breaths, Clementine's heart raced, the fear of being caught propelling her onward.
Behind them, the cabin faded into the distance. They had escaped, but the danger was far from over. As they disappeared into the trees, Clementine's grip on Diana tightened, her resolve stronger than ever.
With every step they took, they were moving toward an uncertain future, but one thing was clear: she would do whatever she could to keep the kids safe and find a way to survive in a world that seemed determined to tear them apart.