The Goodwills: Adventure in an Apocalyptic World

chapter five

The dread that was to come since they left the camp has finally descended. The glow of the Sun felt chilly as they took measured and muffled breaths. 

“Let's go" the patrol whispered.

They continued the walk silently, paying attention to shadows and the ruffling of leaves. Although they seemed slower, they covered much more ground than earlier. The Sun got to the midpoint as the journey continued, that was until they got out of the area fill with those oversized trees. 

Everyone sighed in relief except the patrol. 

"We've gotten through that, this is where most people die” the patrol said his eyes filled with dread. 

“Don't think I was sent to lead or protect you. I was also exiled, so it's each man for himself. I won't risk my life to save you but I advise that you risk your lives to save me else you'd be stranded in this terror." The patrol said as he looked from face to face.

He looked away from their faces and said “Let's continue.”

“This place is filled with snakes and some are venomous.” The patrol continued as they walked 

“Sometimes, vines are not vines.” He said as he used his wooden spear to move a vine that suddenly attacked back but he swatted it away.

"Be careful.” He said and he didn't speak again.

Everyone looked around vigilantly. Looking at the ground they stepped on, at the vines hanging overhead, at the shaking leaves not knowing what will jump out. It was hell.

They continued without much of an option, the sinking of the Sun indicating the time and the stinging of their stomachs indicating their long gone strength.

"Please sir!” One of members of the group said "can we rest a bit and maybe find something to eat? We have not eaten anything for over a day”

"That's true sir, please!" Other members echoed. 

"You can rest but I won't wait for you.” The patrol said as he continued to walk. 

Left with no choice, they all pulled their tired bodies after him.

"We must cover as much ground during the day, time to rest will come.” The patrol said without looking back, trying to encourage them.

Looking at the sinking Sun, they were spurred on also hoping for it to sink faster. Due to exhaustion, their vigilance weaken and all they thought of was the rest to come at nightfall.

“Hey! Don't move your feet!" Victor shouted to woman, she looked sickly, her hair scanty and grey.

Due to shock and the authority he shouted with, the woman froze.

“Look down and slowly move your raised leg backwards." Victor said when he saw she stopped.

She looked down and saw the body of a snake well blended with the mottled green grass. Sweat dripped down from her forehead to her eyes but that didn't bother her. 

She moved her leg as slowly as she could, trying not to startle the snake. After she got to safety, she took a deep breath as she said thank you to Victor who nodded in response.

Reminded of where they were, their vigilance heightened despite their tired bodies.

The most anticipated nightfall came but they did not relax their vigilance.

"Let's find somewhere to rest.” The patrol said as he looked around.

Still with the same level of vigilance, relief filled their hearts as they slowed down and looked around for a place to spend the night.

A place was found not close to the bushes or the trees and they chose that place. Everyone gathered as they cleared the area, picking up broken twigs, stones and other of such things. 

"We will occupy here till morning, don't go too far in case of danger.” The patrol said after everywhere was clear.

“Also, some need to take turns keeping watch through the night. When you're settled those will should come to me.”

The patrol concludes as he sat on the cleared grass in the middle of their temporary camp.

Following the trend of the patrol, some sat on the grass while others laid down directly, exhaustion written all over their faces.

Unconsciously, people gathered with those they were familiar with, so also the Goodwills. 

Victor knew his wife would never admit weakness, especially when others are there but he still asked.

"Are you alright Ness?” Victor asked worriedly as he looked at his wife's tired face.

"Oh please Victor! I'm not that fragile.” Vanessa responded with a smug look, still unable to hide the weariness in her eyes.

He pulled her into his arms as she rested her head on his chest, slightly squeezing her arm to reassure her of his presence. As though understanding his message, Vanessa rubbed her head on his chest.

After catching his breath, he looked at his wife whose eyes were closed and began to think. 

‘This area is not looking familiar at all but the danger level is still bearable. The animals, well the snakes we saw although I can't name them, I'm sure I've seen them before. Looking at it logically, we can get through this phase alive.’ He thought as he rested. 

A while later, Robert and Katie move towards Victor. Getting closer, they noticed Vanessa who was asleep.

“Victor" Robert whispered 

"Yes, Uncle." Victor responded also whispering 

"About volunteering, what do you think?” Robert continued, still keeping his voice low.

“We have to volunteer, we don't have much of a choice. By our numbers, we make up about half of the people here.” Victor responded without much thought.

“I thought so too. The more important question is how many people are we sending and who.” Robert retorted.

Victor sighed, as though tired of thinking.

“Who can we send?" Victor asked

“There are 14 of us here, seven males and seven females. Everyone is willing to volunteer." Katie responded intelligently.

"The Goodwills are not ones to be laid back” Victor responded with pride.

 "Nathan, RJ, George and I would be the volunteers. Four of us will be enough the rest of you stay alert even as you rest.” Victor continued after a bit of thinking.

"Why do you have to go? Gregory can replace you.” Robert asked not understanding Victor's decision.

"We need information and that patrol is a source of it. I'm joining the volunteers for this purpose.” Victor replied Robert.

"We can't know too much, especially now when we don't know anything” Victor said degectedly.