The woods were shrouded in an eerie silence, the kind that only nature could create. Elton, with a heavy heart, had sought solace in these very woods, hoping the tranquil surroundings would help him gather his thoughts. He had often come here as a child, seeking refuge among the tall trees and rustling leaves. Today, however, there was no comfort to be found in the familiar landscape.He sat on a fallen log, his mind drifting back to happier times. Memories of him and Beverly flashed before his eyes like an old, worn-out movie reel. They had known each other since childhood, their friendship blossoming into something deeper as they grew older. Together, they had faced countless adventures and challenges, their bond growing stronger with each passing year.Elton's fingers traced the grooves on the bark of a nearby tree as he lost himself in those memories. He remembered the laughter, the shared secrets, and the warmth of Beverly's smile. But now, all of that felt like a distant dream.

As Beverly and Elton stumbled into the makeshift camp of humans, gasps of shock and concern erupted from the small group that had become a community in their refuge. It was a motley assembly of survivors, people who had been saved by Beverly, and now, they had an opportunity to repay her kindness.Beverly's condition was dire, her clothing torn, and her skin marred by deep gashes and bruises. Elton fared no better, his face twisted in agony, a sharp reminder of the recent clash with his father. Beverly had managed to drag him out of the scene determined to get him to safety. These brave souls, who had faced hardships and horrors beyond imagining, took immediate action.A woman with a kind face rushed forward, her eyes wide with concern as she examined Beverly's wounds. "We have to clean these," she said to another woman, who hurriedly gathered clean cloth and a basin of water. They worked in harmony, tending to Beverly's injuries with a gentleness that only people who had seen the wor