The Monster After Us

As the door to the bunker closed shut, the panic within me only grew stronger. My body trembled, both from fear and the pain shooting up my leg, the blood trickling down once more.

Hayden frantically tore at her sweater, wrapping it tightly around my wound. Daniel stood guard at the door, a look of fierce determination etched across his face.

"What's happening out there?" I asked, my voice trembling.

"Shh," Hayden shushed me, her eyes filled with a sense of urgency. "We'll explain everything once you're feeling better. Just rest now, Lauryn."

I reluctantly accepted the anti-pain medication she offered, still unsure of what exactly was going on.

Hayden let out a deep sigh, her eyes meeting mine. "We're avoiding a monster, Lauryn. One that hasn't shown its face in a long time. We're not entirely sure what triggered its sudden appearance, but we suspect it may have caught a whiff of your scent after you spent the day lost in the woods."

Daniel nodded in agreement. "We need to be careful.