The roar of the truck's engine drowned out Miel's pounding heart as they sped down the narrow backroad. The trees on either side seemed to close in, the darkness deepening with every passing second. Jasmine clung tightly to Miel's arm, her eyes locked on the rearview mirror.
"They're getting closer," Jasmine whispered, her breath shaky. "We won't be able to outrun them on these roads."
Miel glanced back, her pulse quickening as the distant headlights grew larger, weaving through the winding path behind them. Nina's knuckles were white against the steering wheel, her eyes sharp with determination.
"We need to lose them before the road splits," Nina muttered. "If they catch up to us in this terrain, we won't stand a chance."
Maxwell let out a soft whimper, sensing the tension in the air. Miel glanced down at the dog, her heart clenching. He had been their only source of comfort during this nightmare, and now even he seemed on edge.
"Can we cut through the woods?" Miel asked, her voice strained. "They're not as familiar with this area as we are. Maybe we can disappear for a while."
Nina's eyes flicked toward the dense forest lining the road. "It's risky, but it might be our best shot."
"Then do it," Jasmine said firmly, her grip tightening on Miel. "We can't keep going like this."
Nina swerved the truck off the road, the tires kicking up dirt and leaves as they plunged into the thick underbrush. The truck jolted violently as it crashed through low branches, the headlights flickering in the darkness. Maxwell yelped, scrambling to Miel's lap as the vehicle bucked over uneven ground.
"Hold on!" Nina shouted, gritting her teeth as she fought to keep control of the wheel.
The truck barreled through the trees, the branches scratching at the windows, the engine groaning in protest. Miel's heart raced as she braced herself against the seat, her mind spinning with fear. Every second felt like an eternity, the sounds of the forest closing in around them.
But then—silence. The distant headlights had vanished, swallowed by the trees. The pursuit had halted, at least for now.
Nina pulled the truck to a stop in a small clearing, the engine ticking as it cooled down. "We've bought ourselves some time," she said, her voice low and breathless. "But they'll catch up eventually."
"We can't stay here," Jasmine whispered, her eyes darting around the dark forest. "They'll be combing the area soon enough."
Miel nodded, her gaze fixed on Maxwell, who lay trembling in her lap. The poor dog had been through so much already, and now this. "We need to move on foot. The truck's too loud, and we'll be easier to spot if they come back."
"Agreed," Nina said, her face grim. "But we're running low on supplies. If we don't reach shelter soon—"
A sudden coughing fit interrupted Nina's words, her body doubling over as she fought to catch her breath. Miel's heart sank. They had been pushing themselves to the brink, and now the exhaustion was taking its toll.
"Are you okay?" Miel asked, leaning forward in concern.
Nina waved her off, though her face was pale. "I'm fine. Just… tired." She straightened up, forcing a weak smile. "Let's get going."
Miel hesitated, but there was no time to argue. They had to keep moving. She gently lifted Maxwell into her arms, and together, they climbed out of the truck and into the shadowy woods.
The forest was unnervingly quiet, the only sound the crunch of leaves underfoot as they pressed forward. Miel's heart pounded in her chest, her senses on high alert. Every rustle of the trees felt like a warning, every shadow a threat.
They walked for what felt like hours, the darkness pressing in around them. Maxwell's breathing was labored, his small body shivering in Miel's arms. Jasmine noticed and glanced over, concern etched on her face.
"Miel… is he okay?"
Miel looked down at Maxwell, her throat tightening. His normally bright eyes were dull, and his breathing was uneven, shallow. "I don't know," she admitted, her voice shaking. "He's not himself. I think he's in pain."
Jasmine's face fell. "We need to get him to safety. He can't keep going like this."
Miel nodded, but the fear gnawing at her gut told her they might not have enough time. "Let's find a place to rest," she said quietly, her eyes scanning the forest. "Maybe we can make a camp for the night."
They continued moving, their steps growing slower as exhaustion weighed on them. The woods were thick and unforgiving, but eventually, they found a small, sheltered spot beneath a cluster of tall trees. Miel set Maxwell down gently, his body limp as he lay on the ground.
"I'm going to look for some water," Jasmine said, her voice hushed as she glanced at the dog. "I'll be right back."
Miel watched her go, her heart aching as she knelt beside Maxwell. She stroked his fur gently, her fingers trembling. "Hey, boy," she whispered, tears welling in her eyes. "You're going to be okay. We're going to get through this."
But Maxwell's breathing was shallow, his chest rising and falling with difficulty. Miel's vision blurred as a tear slipped down her cheek. She had been strong for so long, for Jasmine, for Nina, but now… now it felt like everything was falling apart.
"Please," she whispered, her voice cracking. "Just hold on a little longer."
Nina sat down beside her, her expression softening as she looked at the dog. "He's been through a lot. We all have."
Miel nodded, her throat too tight to speak. Maxwell had been with them through every step of this nightmare, and now, he was slipping away. She buried her face in his fur, the sobs finally breaking free.
Jasmine returned a few minutes later, her hands shaking as she knelt beside them. "I couldn't find any water, but…"
Miel shook her head. "It doesn't matter."
They sat in silence, the weight of their situation pressing down on them. The forest seemed to close in, the night growing colder. And as Miel held Maxwell close, she felt the moment slipping away, the finality of it all sinking in.
Maxwell's breathing grew slower, each breath more labored than the last. Miel held him tighter, her heart breaking as she whispered, "I love you, boy. You're a good dog."
With one last, soft whimper, Maxwell's chest stilled. The silence that followed was deafening.
Miel closed her eyes, tears streaming down her face as she clutched Maxwell's limp body. Jasmine reached out, her hand resting on Miel's shoulder, her own eyes filled with tears.
"He's at peace now," Jasmine whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "He's not suffering anymore."
Miel nodded, though the ache in her chest was unbearable. "I know," she whispered. "But it doesn't make it hurt any less."
They stayed there for what felt like hours, the weight of their loss hanging in the air. The forest around them was silent, the night deepening as they mourned the loss of their loyal companion.