14.1 Split

You're led back to a small encampment on the outskirts of the forest. Sweat pours down your body profusely as you continue to endure the heat and pain from your leg. Eventually, Sam helps you take a seat near the remnants of a campfire. You watch apprehensively as he begins examining your leg further. After a moment, he swiftly stands and wordlessly walks away. Frowning, you glance over at the two other men who are still watching you. The larger man, Dane, seems to be doing his best not to appear so obvious. Busying himself with unpacking something from a large duffle bag while periodically casting glances in your direction. The younger man, Adam is unabashedly staring you down, his green eyes intense and questioning.

Blushing, you quickly look away and turn your attention to your leg. Some of your skin has been scraped away while the rest is quickly bruising. You gasp in pain when your fingers accidentally knock a large piece of gravel loose. The pain is quickly replaced by relief, encouraging you to begin digging out the other pieces. A moment later Sam has returned and reaches a hand down to stop you.

"Careful," He warns, moving down to sit beside you. "Let me do that."

Pausing, you look to see a small kit in his hand with a faded safety logo on it. He quickly unzips it to reveal several medical items stored inside. After wetting some gauze with a small bottle of antiseptic ****, he gently runs it along your injury. You inhale sharply at the stinging sensation it causes but do your best not to pull away. Once he's done he pulls out some large tweezers and begins gently prying the gravel from your skin. Closing your eyes, you concentrate on remaining still. After what feels like an eternity, you hear the man set the tool down. Cautiously opening your eyes back up, you watch as he cleans your leg again before wrapping a long bandage around it.

"There," He says, running a hand along the now bandaged leg. "All better."

"Why are you helping me?" You find yourself blurting out, having long since lost your trust of people.

Sam's brow furrows in confusion at your question. Titling his slightly, he looks over you for a moment before replying.

"Why wouldn't I help you?"

Unable to think of an answer, you quickly look away from his piercing gaze. After your time with Boyd and James, you find it strange to think someone would aid you without expecting something in return. Shifting, you pull your leg away and run your own hand along its binding. Though you're hardly a medical expert, you can tell he knows what he's doing.

"You're good at this." You comment, changing the subject.

"I'd hope so," He responds, giving you a small smile. "Medical school wasn't cheap."

"You're a doctor?" You ask in surprise, wondering what he could possibly be doing out here.

"I was," He remarks, his smile fading slightly as it's replaced by discomfort. "Before all of this at least."

Nodding softly, you glance away awkwardly, unsure what else to say. Fidgeting nervously with the ragged edges of your shirt, you sit in the uncomfortable silence. Eventually the man stands up before offering you a hand. Hesitantly, you accept and gingerly place some weight on your leg. You can't help wincing as sharp pain shoots up the appendage. The man takes notice and quickly helps you back down.

"I don't think you're going anywhere right now." He comments grimly, seeming rather concerned by this. "One of us will have to stay back with you."

"Stay back?" You repeat in confusion, suddenly also filled with worry.

"If we're not back in time," He replies vaguely as he turns to face his companions. "They'll send a search team."

"There's more people?" You quickly demand, sitting up straighter.

Ignoring your question, Sam reaches down and pulls some blades of grass up. You watch curiously as he holds the blades in his hand. Nodding to the other men, he holds the hand out.

"We'll draw straws to see who stays." He explains when Adam raises a brow.