The night was restless, but Aiden's mind was sharper than ever. The nightmare from before still haunted him, but it had taught him something vital—the campfire was their lifeline.
When the fire burned out, the creature came.
He looked around the clearing, eyes scanning the darkness beyond the flickering flames. Trees stood tall and silent, guardians of the night.
Campfires are made of wood.Wood burns to give fire.Fire gives warmth and light.
Aiden gripped his trusty fire axe tightly.
Without hesitation, he moved through the clearing, cutting down only the trees closest to their camp. He didn't want to waste energy, nor draw unnecessary attention by venturing far. The monster lurked nearby, waiting for the fire to die.
By the time the fire was roaring again, Aiden felt a faint spark of hope.
Later that night, he approached the girl with the same playful pickup line as before, hoping to break the silence between them. She shot him a surprised look but didn't respond.
This time, Aiden was more than just a survivor—he was a planner.
He ventured out cautiously, searching the forest not just for safety but for sustenance. His eyes caught a glimmer among the leaves—clusters of grapes, heavy and ripe.
Grapes. Water-rich and nourishing.Food for now, and water substitute if fermented.
He gathered as many as he could—about two hundred grapes—dividing them carefully. One hundred for immediate nourishment, the other hundred to ferment into wine.
Water sources were far, dangerous to approach, and the monster still prowled the shadows.
Tonight, the campfire burned brighter, and with it, a fragile hope kindled in Aiden's heart.