The Mating Run by Leeka

Chapter 19

Gift
@ 67%
Startled from sleep, I heard the blaring sirens pierce through the silence.
My eyes flutter open, and I immediately feel a cool breeze brush against my face. Confusion and sleep clouded my senses as I strained to make sense of the blaring announcement, each number a grim reminder of lives lost. With sweat. dripping down my neck, I anxiously scanned my surroundings, my heart beating rapidly for no apparent reason.
I looked around and realized I was the only person there. Feeling the coldness on my lap, I realized that Zeke must have left hours ago.
“Zeke?”
I called out, and the echo in the empty cave magnified the trembling anxiety in my voice. The silence hung in the air, with no reply to be heard. The deafening silence of the cave intensified my panic as I frantically searched for any trace of him.
Fear clenched my stomach as I cautiously surveyed the shadows, half-expecting him to appear with that mischievous grin, yet the cave remained
devoid of sound.
But then, another thought sneaks its way into my mind.
The bag. Did he ditch me? Did he steal back what I took?
Struggling to find my way in the dim light, my fingers finally connected with the bag, and a brief sense of relief washed over me. As I unzipped the bag, a wave of anxiety washed over me, my fingers trembling in response.
Opening the bag, I was surprised by what I found inside, catching me off guard.
My anxious eyes were greeted by a mouthwatering display of food.
More food. More berries. A rabbit carcas s.
ווו
O
1/7
7:03 Wed, 6 Mar
Gift
Zeke hadn’t taken, instead, he had generously given.
67%
Confusion melted away, replaced by a medley of thankfulness and amazement.
“Zeke?”
I called again, my voice quieter than before, tinged with a sense of both gratitude and wonder. No response. Within the cave, a profound silence enveloped me, accentuated only by the dancing shadows cast by the flickering firelight.
A smile tugged at my lips, a whirlwind of emotions battling for dominance.
He cared. He cared, in a twisted sort of way.
My lips curled into a small smile as I plucked a few berries, savoring the taste of my unexpected breakfast in this tranquil oasis. As I pop some of them into my mouth, I can’t help but hum in delight at their delectable sweetness.

As I turned around, ready to face whatever was out there, I saw the wall.
My breath hitched as I read the words written on the wall of the cave.
‘Now, we’re even.
As I looked at the rabbit carcas s/again, I couldn’t help but wish that the words were written with the natural pigments of berries, instead of the chilling reminder of blood. Nevertheless, the thought didn’t deter the smile that tugged at my lips and the inner warmth that blossomed.
Zeke’s way of settling scores was kinda funny.
At that moment, in the middle of all the uncertainty at the Mating Run, I unexpectedly started to really like Zeke. Cradling the berries in my hands, their vibrant colors and juicy feel brought an immediate smile to my face, a silent thank you to Zeke. A shift occurred, and unexpectedly, I felt a warm fondness growing inside me.
“Even.”
O
1/7
17.03 Wed, 6 Mar
Gift
I muttered to myself, a soft chuckle escaping my lips, my smile lingering.
67%
Sitting there, enjoying the taste of the berries, I couldn’t help but notice the distant sound of sirens, as if they were miles away. The numbers were nothing compared to the message on the cave wall.
“Alright, we’re even, I guess.”
I repeated the word, hoping that its sound could ground the fleeting emotions swirling inside me.
Satiated by the berries, my eyes fixate on the rabbit carc as s lying in front of me, a tempting feast awaiting my consumption.
I examine it closely, my eyes filled with a combination of determination and uncertainty, as my fingertips gently trace its curves. The cr ackling fire in the corner of the cave fills the air with warmth and casts mesmerizing shadows on the walls.
“Okay, little rabbit, let’s see what we can do.”
As I search the cave, I come across some smooth stones that I can use as makeshift utensils, their weight comforting in my hands. The twigs sca ttered around feel rough and splintered against my fingertips as I begin assembling a rudimentary contraption. The culinary experiment is raw and daring, and a sense of amusement begins to bubble up within me.
With a few stones carefully placed, I position the twigs over the fire, creating a makeshift grill that emits a tantalizing aroma. As I place the rabbit on my primitive cooking apparatus, I can hear the cra ckling of the flames and smell the aroma of the sizzling meat.
Thankfully, the animal has already been skinned and cleaned, sparing me from the gruesome task. If it hadn’t been stripped of its skin, I would have been clueless about what to do.
As the delicious scent of roasting rabbit permeates the cave, my stomach can’t help but rumble in anticipation. It is no longer solely focused on survival; it has become about optimizing the use of our available resources.
O
2/7
17:03 Wed, 6 Mar
Gift
“Here goes nothing!”
I mutter under my breath, using the crude utensil I have fashioned to carefully flip the rabbit. The flames flicker and sway, casting a warm glow that makes the surroundings feel strangely comforting.
As the rabbit cooks, it emits a mouthwatering sizzle and a tantalizing aroma that makes my mouth water.
“Looks like I’m having a feast tonight, Mr. Rabbit.”
With a wide grin, I speak, my words resonating within the cave’s enclosed walls. I sit mesmerized by the flickering firelight, its warm glow casting a comforting aura around me.
“Bon appétit, Mr. Rabbit.”
Flashing a playful grin, I speak with lightheartedness, acknowledging the gastronomic journey about to unfold. Gripping my makeshift utensils tightly, I eagerly dig into the succulent meat, savoring the burst of flavors with the first bite.
As I take a bite, the flavor explodes on my taste buds, creating a symphony of warmth and tenderness that makes me hum with satisfaction. With my eyes closed, I can taste the explosion of flavors in every bite of the well-cooked meal.
“Mmm, not bad at all.”
Between bites, I mumble, the words barely escaping my lips.
My taste buds dance with delight as I indulge in the rabbit, all the while pondering the sheer absurdity of it all. Amidst the chaos of the Mating Run, I take a moment to enjoy a meal prepared over a makeshift fire in a cave. A carefree chuckle bubbles up inside me, breaking the silence with its joyful resonance.
“You and me, Mr. Rabbit, making the best out of a crazy situation!”
With each word I utter, the satisfying crunch of roasted meat resonates in the background.
|||
3/7
17:03 Wed, 6 Mar
Gift
Each savory bite brings me a profound sense of happiness and peace. The cr ackling fire casts dancing shadows on the cave walls, as the rabbit vanishes into nothingness, leaving only a trail of bones behind.
“Thank you, Mr. Rabbit.”
With the last morsel of rabbit gone, I sink back against the cave wall, relishing in the taste still lingering on my tongue.
Within the cave, days blend together into a hushed and monotonous rhythm.
The berries become my steadfast companions, their sweet taste providing comfort amidst the uncertainty of the Mating Run. Their simple flavors provide me with solace, and I savor each one as if it embodies the essence of survival.
Lounging against the cave wall, I relish the taste of the juicy berries, savoring each bite. Inside my newfound sanctuary, the chaos of the outside world feels. distant, like a fading echo.
The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255