Every few steps on the dusty road, my hand wandered to the smooth rise on my belly, tracing its unfamiliar roundness like I was checking it was still real. Here I was, possibly pregnant in a world that had forgotten how to be kind. It was almost laughable—me, Majesty, far from anything resembling a maternity ward, wondering how on earth I'd ended up here.

Would I have even noticed this under normal circumstances? Back when I was eating regularly and not just surviving on scraps? The thought of telling Glenn—"Hey, guess what? We might be expecting!"—sent a bizarre mix of terror and absurdity through me. We never planned for kids before all this happened; it wasn't on our apocalypse bingo card. And now? The idea was more terrifying than facing down a herd of walkers. The future, already a murky path littered with danger, now held a new level of uncertainty. And all I could do was keep walking, hand on belly, mind racing with "what ifs."

I just knew I had to be losing it. Thinking about needing a pregnancy test in the middle of an apocalypse was just wild. The mere idea made me double over, retching air as my empty stomach clenched tight.

After regaining some semblance of control, I glanced down at my leg, trying to assess the healing—or lack thereof. My boot reeked, a pungent mix of old skin and trapped moisture, reminding me just how dire my hygiene had become. One thing was crystal clear: there was no way I was sleeping out on the road again tonight.

And there it was again—that nagging thought, teasing the edge of my sanity: what if I actually had to consider being a mom out here? The very notion felt alien, almost comical, if it weren't so terrifying. I'd been meticulously careful, always on birth control, a habit from my teens. Glenn and I, we were always cautious, rarely even needing a condom. But I guess over time, especially out here, we'd gotten sloppy. The fear of pregnancy had faded into the background noise of survival. Yet here I was, potentially facing the biggest challenge yet. Alone, no less. The irony didn't escape me—I had always planned everything so carefully, and yet, perhaps all those plans were as frail as the world we once knew.

Every jolt of pain from my leg, every pang of hunger, felt like reminders of how drastically underprepared I was for anything else life wanted to throw at me, let alone parenthood. The laughable part was imagining telling Glenn, trying to picture his face. Would he laugh it off, or would it break him further? We had skated by on luck and quick thinking, but this—this was different. This required planning, resources, stability... things we sorely lacked. I groaned, pushing myself to my feet. Survival was already a daily gamble; the added weight of these fears felt like too much. But then, what choice did I have but to keep moving, keep surviving, one painful step at a time?

Glancing at the map, I frowned, utterly bewildered and wishing I could somehow gauge my distance to any familiar landmark. Being stranded on an obscure country road in Georgia, far from any cityscape I could navigate confidently, felt both defeating and isolating.

I had sketched out a semblance of a plan—it felt like a fantasy more than anything actionable. Find a car, gather more supplies to last a few days at least, and somehow regain the strength I'd lost. I needed to recover, find a place to rest until my leg was fully healed. Only then would I dare to seek out any remnants of community, of connection. If there was any trace of Glenn left, I'd chase it with everything I had. But for now, I was alone, with a hauntingly expanding list of things I needed—not least of which was a pregnancy test.

My thoughts returned to my current ordeal, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of anger. All I needed was to have listened to Glenn from the start. How could this be my destiny? The notion of possibly being pregnant made me question every step I had taken in the past few weeks. I fantasized about an escape, wishing I could just click my heels three times to be whisked away. If a way out meant renewing my faith or making grand promises of change, I'd embrace it without hesitation.

But no, that was unrealistic, and I needed to focus on the here and now. Maybe that was my problem, always zeroing in on what I couldn't control. I sighed, lifting my gaze to the sky, noting how much daylight I was losing while lost in thought. I had to stop this cycle of self-hatred and fantasizing about the impossible. "Get it together, Majesty," I muttered to myself. Faith in God wasn't my thing; I needed to find faith in myself.

Shaking off the negativity, I bent over the map again, growing tired of the seemingly endless path along the main road. I traced my finger back to where I found the creek, eyeing where it ended and where my current road would meet the turn I was looking for. The exact spot where I was remained unclear, but a shortcut through the woods seemed like a viable option to shorten the route to the road I intended to reach. It was risky, sure, and things could go south fast, but I was at a point where taking risks seemed necessary to make any progress. I needed to see some sort of progress to ignite something in me other than depression and self-loathing. That was all I wanted—just a bit of progress.

Bracing myself, I veered off the path and broke through the treeline, taking in my surroundings as I ventured deeper into the woods. Everything seemed clear for now, but I knew my luck had to be running out. It felt like it had been ages since I'd encountered walkers or any other danger. Keeping in mind the position of the sun when I last saw it, I began walking in a straight diagonal line, trying to keep up a faster pace. I didn't want to lose too much daylight and end up stuck in the woods in the dark. I had to reach the main road, even if it was the last thing I did—though I sincerely hoped it wouldn't be. This was the progress I needed, the push to keep moving forward.

Each step I took felt more deliberate than the last. The rustling leaves and occasional chirping of birds were my only companions. The terrain was rough, uneven, and littered with roots and fallen branches. My injured leg protested with every step, but I gritted my teeth and pressed on. The forest canopy filtered the sunlight, casting dappled shadows that played tricks on my weary eyes. I stayed alert, constantly scanning for any movement, any sign of trouble.

The deeper I went, the more the forest seemed to close in around me. The air grew cooler, the sounds of the outside world fading into the background. It was just me and the endless stretch of trees. I focused on keeping my direction true, glancing occasionally at the map and the position of the sun, which was now sinking lower in the sky.

Thoughts of Glenn and our old life together surfaced, unbidden. I imagined him beside me, his steady presence a source of strength. What would he think if he knew I was out here, potentially carrying his child, risking everything? The idea of telling him about the baby felt like a distant dream, another life altogether. But that tiny bump was a constant reminder of the reality I couldn't escape.

I pushed those thoughts aside, concentrating on the immediate task. The forest began to thin, the trees growing less dense as I neared what I hoped was the edge. The promise of the main road spurred me on, each step bringing me closer to my goal. I couldn't afford to fail now, not when I was so close.

Finally, after what felt like hours, proven by the fading sunlight as the sun now hung behind me, the woods morphed into an endless dark cave. The chilly night brought a welcoming breeze, relieving some of the day's heat and exhaustion as I'd been walking relentlessly. Navigating the brush in the dim light was challenging, but I found solace in the crunch of leaves underfoot and the chorus of crickets, creating a comforting beat to my movements.

I focused on these sounds, crafting my own rhythm, until a soft moan broke through, jarring against the natural symphony. My heart sank, instantly recognizing the dreadful implication of that noise. For a moment, I froze, straining my eyes to pinpoint the source in the dwindling light. Was my mind playing tricks on me, or was there really something out there?

The sound of moaning grew louder, more insistent, and I felt a shiver crawl up my spine. There were too many of them, and the darkness was closing in around me. My heart pounded like a drum in my chest, threatening to drown out all rational thought. I moved quietly, each step deliberate and slow, as if the ground itself might betray me.

I tried to keep my breathing steady, but fear gripped me tight. The walkers were everywhere, moving aimlessly, yet with a dreadful purpose. I saw their silhouettes in the dim light—first one, then another, until there were dozens. Their shuffling gait was unmistakable, a grim reminder of the world I now inhabited.

Sweat trickled down my brow, mingling with the dirt and grime that had become a second skin. My senses were on high alert, every rustle of leaves, every snap of a twig, amplifying the danger that surrounded me. I needed to find a way out, a path that would lead me away from this nightmare.

I moved forward, each step a test of my resolve. The brush and bristle underfoot made it hard to stay silent, but I pushed on, driven by the determination to survive. The chill night air was a welcome relief from the day's heat, but it did little to calm my racing heart.

The walkers seemed to be closing in, their moans growing louder, more frenzied. I had to stay focused, keep my wits about me. I couldn't afford to make a mistake, not now. The pounding in my ears was deafening, a constant reminder of the life-or-death stakes I faced.

Then, a distant gunshot shattered the ominous silence, pulling the walkers' attention away from me towards its source. They shuffled awkwardly, their groans growing louder, drawn inexorably towards the promise of fresh prey. Paralyzed, I held my breath, fearing any slight movement might redirect their hunger towards me.

Time seemed to stretch into an eternity as I waited, barely daring to blink. Suddenly, another gunshot pierced the air, closer this time, startling me into an involuntary squeak. My heart hammered in my chest, panic surging as instinct screamed at me to flee.

Without a second thought, I broke into a desperate sprint, dodging gnarled roots and low-hanging branches. My injured leg screamed in protest, but the raw fear of being caught fueled my escape. The forest blurred past in a whirl of shadows as I pushed myself to the limit, driven by the primal need to survive.

I ran and ran, not daring to look back until the trees began to thin, finally breaking into what was surely a main highway. It looked similar to the one I had gotten lost on initially. Even though reaching this was my goal, I couldn't find a moment to celebrate, as more walkers littered the highway, seemingly drawn by the distant gunshots—and now potentially by me. I veered the opposite way, panic setting every movement alight with urgency. I tested every abandoned car I passed, tugging at door handles with heaving breaths, praying for one to open.

Desperation clawed at my throat with every failed attempt. My hands shook, my vision blurred with panic and exhaustion. Each car door that refused to budge felt like a personal defeat. Finally, with a burst of energy I didn't know I still possessed, I yanked at a rusty handle, and to my relief, it creaked open. I practically fell inside, slamming the door shut behind me.

For a moment, all I could hear was the pounding of my own heart, louder than the groans of the undead outside. I locked the doors, crawling into the backseat to huddle, trying to make myself as small and silent as possible. Through the grimy windows, I watched the undead shuffle by, their movements slow but relentless.

As they passed, I shoved my body deeper into the backseat, now pressed flat against the breathing was shallow, my body trembling as I watched them, praying they wouldn't notice me. I was safe for now, but the weight of what I had just escaped—and what lay ahead—settled heavily on my chest. This small victory did nothing to ease the fear gnawing at me. I still had to survive the night, and beyond that.

With every shaky breath, the walls of the car seemed to close in tighter. My heart was pounding like a drum in my ears, fear and fatigue melding into a dangerous cocktail that threatened to knock me unconscious. I pressed myself flatter against the grimy floor of the car, my body trembling not just from the cool metal beneath me but also from the haunting moans outside. The shuffle of rotting feet and guttural growls of the walkers grew fainter, their numbers dwindling as they followed the distant echoes of gunshots, lured away by the promise of easier prey.

Exhaustion clawed at the edges of my consciousness, urging me to give in. The air in the car was stifling, thick with the heat of a day's sun trapped inside like a furnace. I cracked open one eye, the effort monumental, to peek through the dusty window. The last few stragglers staggered past, their figures blurred and distorted through the glass. Relief washed over me in an anxious wave, and my eyelids fluttered closed once more.

Surrendering to the pull of sleep, my last coherent thought clung to the hope that this precarious refuge would remain undisturbed until dawn. As darkness took me, the distant, fading steps of the undead were the last lullaby to my fraught senses.

The sound of banging woke me from my slumber. I choked a bit as I opened my eyes, struggling to take in air. It was now morning, and the dry air in the car was causing a struggle. As my eyes focused, I blinked a few times and looked at the window, locking eyes with two burly men. Smirks ridded their faces as they peered down at me.

The first man was tall and broad-shouldered, with a scruffy beard covering a stern face. His clothes were worn and dirty, suggesting he had been surviving out here for a while. The second man was slightly shorter but just as muscular, with a shaved head that glinted in the morning sun. He had a scar running from his eyebrow to his cheek, adding to his intimidating look. Both men had a rugged appearance, their eyes gleaming with a mix of curiosity and something more unsettling.

The circumstances of my situation flooded my mind, making me conscious of my frail, skinny body in this small dress as I faced the people in front of me.

For what felt like forever, we stood there staring at each other, tension hanging in the air. The men made no moves to leave me be, instead trying the door and motioning for me to open it. Faced with no other options other than suffocating in this hot car, I warily reached behind me, opening the door opposite to them and sliding myself out, grabbing my bag and slinging it over my shoulder. Now outside and standing opposite the car from them, I took a deep breath, feeling the cool air hit my face. It was a brief moment of relief before the fear kicked back in.

The two men eyed me, their smiles not reaching their eyes. The taller one, with the faded baseball cap, spoke first. "Hey there," he said, his voice gruff. "Didn't mean to scare you. Name's Ray, and this here's Matt."

I nodded cautiously, gripping the strap of my bag tighter. "Majesty."

Ray's smile widened, but it didn't seem friendly. "Nice to meet you, Majesty. What brings you out here all alone?"

I glanced around, trying to assess if there were any more of them hidden nearby. "Just passing through. Trying to find some supplies."

Matt stepped closer, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You look like you've been through hell. Need any help? We got a camp not too far from here."

My instincts screamed at me to keep my guard up. "I appreciate the offer, but I'm fine on my own."

Ray chuckled, glancing at Matt. "Feisty one, aren't you? Look, we're not bad guys. Just thought you might need a hand. It's dangerous out here, especially for someone on their own."

I took a step back, my heart pounding. "I can handle myself. Thanks, but no thanks."

Matt's smile faded, replaced by a more serious expression. "We insist. It's not safe for you out here. Come with us, just for a bit. Get some food, water. You look like you could use it."

The tone in his voice was more forceful now, sending a chill down my spine. I looked between the two men, weighing my options. Trusting them could mean safety and supplies, but it could also lead to something far worse. Alone, I was vulnerable, but with them, I had no control over my fate. The uncertainty gnawed at me as I tried to make a decision.

Ray came closer to me, and as I stood frozen in fear, he suddenly touched me, wrapping a strong arm around my wrist and measuring its thinness with his fingers. "If you're not going to come with us, at least let us give you some food and water."

The offer felt more like a trap than a genuine act of kindness. He then placed an unwelcome hand on my lower back and pushed me forward. I stumbled a bit but was moved with such force that I had no choice but to walk to avoid falling to my feet. They chatted about their camp as I walked between the men in silence, one now on either side, making me feel trapped between their broad shoulders. The reality of my vulnerability hit hard, and my mind raced with thoughts of escape, even as their words blurred into the background noise of my anxiety.

"I can't believe we found someone out here," Matt said, his voice low and gravelly. "Haven't seen a living soul in days."

Ray laughed, a sound that made my skin crawl. "Yeah, lucky us. So, where you from?" he asked, glancing down at me.

I swallowed hard, trying to keep my voice steady. "Just... around. Been on my own for a while."

"Well, you're in luck," Matt said, his tone almost mocking. "Our camp's not far. Got food, water, even some shelter. Better than being out here alone."

Ray's grip on my wrist tightened slightly. "Yeah, you'll like it. Safe and sound. Ain't that right, Matt?"

"Sure is," Matt replied, a smirk playing on his lips. "Just gotta follow the rules, that's all. Simple stuff."

I tried to tune out their conversation, my thoughts racing as I considered my options. Running wasn't an option, not with my injured leg and the fact that they were armed. For now, I had to play along, biding my time and looking for any opportunity to escape.

"How many people are at your camp?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady and casual.

Ray shrugged. "Enough to keep things running smoothly. You'll see soon enough." My stomach churned at the thought of being taken to their camp, surrounded by strangers who might be just as dangerous as these two. But what choice did I have? I had to survive, I couldn't let fear paralyze me now.

We reached a car parked sloppily on the road. Ray finally broke off and opened the back door, reaching in and grabbing a jug of water. He handed it to me, and I stood there staring. I had an internal struggle of accepting the offer. My body begged me to take it, but my mind didn't want to fall deeper into the trap they had been setting. Even with the car door open, I felt as if they were going to push me in and lock me up any second—some sick kidnapping plot of the new world.

I couldn't fight my thirst, though. I grabbed the jug and drank greedily as the fresh water lubricated my dry mouth and throat. It was almost a sensation of ecstasy as I blocked out everything and rejoiced in the abundant amount of water I finally had. But as I swallowed, I couldn't ignore the jokes the men were making about me, remarks on how thirsty I was, trying to incite me to join them. Their tone still felt sinister, their words dripping with mockery.

"Look at her go, Ray," Matt snickered, nudging his friend. "Guess she really needed that, huh?"

Ray laughed, but his eyes never left me. "Yeah, well, we all got needs. She's just lucky we're nice guys."

I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand, feeling a surge of defiance. "Thanks for the water," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "But I need to get going."

Ray's smile widened, a predator's grin. "No rush. We got plenty of supplies. Why don't you stick around? Could be fun."

Matt stepped closer, blocking my path. "Yeah, we're just getting started. Plenty more where that came from."

My heart pounded, the reality of my situation sinking in. I was alone, outnumbered, and outgunned. I had to think fast, had to find a way out of this without provoking them.

"I appreciate it, really," I said, forcing a smile. "But I have people waiting for me. They'll come looking if I don't show up soon."

Ray raised an eyebrow. "People? Out here? Ain't seen a soul for miles."

Matt chuckled, shaking his head. "Nice try. But we both know you're alone. Why else would you have been sleeping alone in that car?"

"You're probably really lucky we were the ones to find you, and now we want to take care of you," Ray said, leaning in closer, his breath hot against my face. "Pretty little thing shouldn't be out here all alone."

I felt the other man's fingers brush the hem of my dress, his touch light but menacing. "Especially in this short lil' dress here," he added.

My heart pounded in my chest like a drum, and fear gripped me, cold and unyielding. Ray's face was so close I could smell the stale cigarette smoke on his breath, his eyes bore into mine with a predatory gleam. I yanked at the hem of my dress, desperately trying to cover more skin. Every muscle in my body screamed at me to run, but I was trapped, their imposing figures blocking any chance of escape. I stared into their faces, searching for any hint of mercy, but only saw the sinister intentions that threatened to consume me.

Finally, Ray broke his stare, padding to the passenger side of the sedan and opening the door, giving me an expectant look. "You know we're the best chance you got, just get in."

I stood there, gripping the jug of water, preparing to use it as a weapon if necessary. I glanced at Matt, taking in his massive size compared to mine. The reality hit hard: I could die fighting here or play along, hoping for safety, supplies, and more people. My heart and head ached with the scenarios of what might lie ahead.

Before I could decide, Matt grabbed me, pulling me gently toward the passenger side. The two men created a barrier around me, leaving me no choice but to climb inside. They made a sarcastic remark, "Guess chivalry isn't dead after all," as I got in, immediately shutting the door behind me and moving to the front of the car. I watched intensely as they had a conversation at the hood of the car, laughing and joking while I struggled to read their lips.

My breathing was heavy as I tried to calm my pounding heart, tears threatening to spill. I couldn't clear my mind of the disgusting fates I foresaw, now being trapped in this situation. I knew avoiding people was best, and this proved it. The car felt like a cage, the weight of their presence pressing down on me, making the air thick and stifling. Every instinct screamed to run, but there was nowhere to go. I was truly trapped, forced to rely on these men who seemed to revel in my fear.

Finally, they broke off, Ray coming to join me in the car as Matt made his way to a separate vehicle. Silently, he got in, started the car, and navigated through the parked ones creating an obstruction. As he focused on the road ahead, I eyed the back of the car, spotting a backpack with the handle of a machete sticking out of it. I sighed heavily, taking in more water as I returned my gaze to the road, watching the signs as we passed.

Ray finally spoke after hearing me sigh, looking over at me for a second with a gross smirk on his lips. "You know, you're pretty lucky we found you when we did. Out here all alone, who knows what could've happened."

I forced a smile, feigning approval. "Yeah, I guess so. Where are we going, anyway?"

He leaned back a bit, keeping one hand on the wheel. "Back to our camp. Got plenty of food and water there. Safety in numbers, right?"

"Right," I replied, trying to sound convinced. "How many people are at your camp?"

"About thirty or so. Strong folks, capable. You'll fit right in. And don't worry, you'll be taken care of."

I nodded, taking another sip of water to mask my unease. "That's... good. I could use a place to rest."

He chuckled, his eyes lingering on my legs. "Yeah, you look like you could use a good meal and some rest. We've got plenty of both. And you'll be safe with us."

I forced another smile, trying to hide my disgust. "Thanks. I appreciate it."

He glanced at me again, his smirk widening. "You're a pretty girl. Shouldn't be out here alone. Too dangerous."

I looked away, staring at the passing scenery. "Yeah, I've learned that the hard way."

Ray let some time pass, laughing to himself a bit in a way I did not understand. "Majesty, huh?"

"Yep."

"Never heard a name like that. Pretty though, fits a girl like you."

"Thanks," I said quietly, feeling more trapped with every passing mile.

Goosebumps ran over my body as Ray now used one hand to drive, the other brushing against the bare skin of my legs. He commented on my dress, asking what I had been doing last to end up in such a pretty little number. I shrugged, readjusting my body to retreat closer into the door of the car, letting out a breath I hadn't known I was holding when his hand dropped.

As we got onto an on-ramp, the barren road of the highway stretched out ahead, prompting Ray to press on the gas, speeding down the road now as we reached at least 70 mph. I watched as views of the city changed and the heightened view gave me eyes on different landscapes I had been longing to see—just not like this.

"So, what were you doing before we found you?" Ray asked, his eyes occasionally flicking over to me.

"Just... trying to survive," I replied, keeping my voice steady. "Got separated from my group."

"Separated, huh? Well, you're with us now. And we take care of our own," he said with a grin that sent shivers down my spine.

"Yeah, thanks," I said, forcing a smile.

"You got anyone special out there looking for you?" he asked, his tone almost mocking.

"I don't know," I said honestly. "Maybe."

Ray laughed, a harsh, grating sound. "Well, if they're smart, they'll give up. The world's too dangerous to be chasing after lost causes."

His words hit a nerve, but I kept my face neutral, not wanting to give him any satisfaction. "I guess so."

"You'll see," he said, his hand once again creeping towards me before I subtly shifted away. "You'll be much better off with us."

The cityscape flew by, buildings and streets blurring together as we sped down the highway. Every second felt like an eternity, my mind racing with thoughts of escape, survival, and the gnawing fear of what lay ahead.

Ray slowed down, and Matt in the other car now rode alongside us. Ray rolled down his window, shouting between the cars, laughing about wanting to race back home. The eagerness of them wanting to get back to their home struck a fight response in me as I peered into the back seat, my eyes locked on the sharp weapon.

Ray rolled up the window, stepping hard on the gas as Matt accelerated past us. He was now focused on his little race, allowing me more time to think about what I was going to do to avoid getting brought to this unknown and foreign territory.

"The speed is making me carsick, can I lay down in the back?" I asked, breaking his concentration for just a second. He glanced at me before quickly returning to the road, his grip on the wheel tightening as he struggled to control the speeding car.

"Yeah, whatever," he muttered.

I immediately moved to the back, laying in the seat as my heart again began to pound. The plan I was sloppily creating in my head started becoming more real. It would take a lot of courage, but it was courage that I needed to find in this moment. The same courage I had been telling myself I needed to have for days now.

As I settled into the backseat, I kept my eyes on the machete, feeling its presence like a lifeline. Ray's focus on the road gave me a small window of opportunity. I took deep breaths, trying to steady my nerves and summon the courage I needed to take action. This was my chance to escape, and I couldn't afford to let it slip away.

I watched the surroundings zip by, the speed rendering everything into a blur of colors and shapes. My movements were slow, deliberate, masking the sound as I pulled the machete out of the bag. Each breath was a struggle, my chest tight with fear and anticipation. The blade felt cold and heavy in my hand, a lifeline in this nightmare.

Ray's smirk stayed etched in my mind, fueling the fire in my belly. I had to act now. Thoughts of Glenn, of the baby I might be carrying, and more importantly, of my own survival raced through my mind. This was it.

I lunged forward, my heart pounding in my ears, and swung the machete at Ray's neck. The blade met resistance, not a clean cut but enough to send blood spurting. Ray let out a gurgled scream, his hands flying to his neck. His foot slammed on the brakes, the car swerving violently. My small frame was flung back as the car spun out of control, the tires screeching against the asphalt.

In those dizzying moments, everything seemed to slow down. The world outside was a whirl of colors, the sound of the car crash a surreal symphony. I felt a strange euphoria, a sick sense of triumph mixed with terror. The force of the spin pressed me against the car floor, and I gripped it with all my strength, my laughter mingling with Ray's gurgles and the chaotic symphony of destruction around me.

The car skidded and flipped, metal crunching and glass shattering. I felt weightless, tumbling in the confined space. Pain shot through me as I collided with the interior, but it was distant, overshadowed by the adrenaline coursing through my veins. The world was a blur of chaos and noise, and for a moment, I was lost in it, caught between life and death.

As the car finally came to a halt, I lay there, dazed and disoriented, the taste of blood in my mouth. The silence that followed was deafening, the absence of movement eerie. I slowly became aware of my surroundings, the acrid smell of smoke and gasoline filling the air. Painfully, I tried to move, every muscle protesting.

But my efforts were in vain. My vision blurred, the edges darkening. The adrenaline that had fueled me was fading fast, leaving behind a crushing exhaustion. I struggled to keep my eyes open, the world around me fading in and out.

I had survived the crash, but the toll it had taken on my body was too much. As I lay there, staring up at the sky, I felt the creeping numbness spread, my thoughts becoming more and more disjointed. The last thing I saw before everything went black was the broken windshield above me, a web of cracks catching the morning light.

And then, there was nothing.