Under The Starlit Canopy

"No, you won't," Tony asserted firmly. "It's a three-day walk to the nearest town, and that's for someone who's healthy and has proper supplies."

"I'll be fine, but I appreciate your concern," I replied.

"If you say so," Tony said, his tone nonchalant.

I shook my head as I turned away, only to step on something sharp immediately. "Fuck me."

I quickly grabbed my injured foot, wincing as I pulled the stick out of my skin. Could I ever go more than twenty-four hours without bleeding?

"Like I said, you're not going to make it on your own," Tony remarked.

"Thank you for the astute observation," I retorted. Limping, I carefully took a step forward, determined not to turn back to the group.

"Tony, do the right thing," Danielle pleaded.

"She's practically the poster child for our community," Malcom added.

"Get back here," Tony sighed.

Accepting help from strangers was the last thing I wanted, but I wasn't prepared to go out into the woods alone. I turned and looked at the trio. "You're not go