Ethan trudged through the desolate landscape, Garvin's limp form slung over his shoulder. Each step was a battle, not only against the physical burden but also against the crushing weight of his actions.
The silence around him was oppressive, broken only by Garvin's occasional groans and the distant, haunting growls of monsters prowling the horizon. Ethan's thoughts drifted to Scarlett, his heart heavy with guilt and grief. He had done what needed to be done, but the ache of it lingered, gnawing at his resolve.
After hours of walking, he spotted a faint light flickering on the horizon. Hope and dread warred within him as he trudged forward, his legs trembling with exhaustion.
As the light grew closer, it resolved into a makeshift camp. A small group of figures huddled around a fire, their faces illuminated by the warm glow as they roasted fish over the flames.
