17.2 Contrition

Frowning a mix of embarrassment and frustration, you quickly turn away from Dane. You hadn't anticipated ending up in this situation, more or less somewhat enjoying it. Regardless of any pleasure you may have derived from the event, you resolve to make it the last. The rest of the day passes by in uncomfortable silence as you continue your attempt to ignore the man. You occupy your time by keeping watch over the fire, determined not to let it die. As evening finally approaches, you've successfully maintained the primary source of light. After partaking in what little rations the man has to offer, you're more than ready for sleep. That night you spend the majority of your slumber tossing and turning. When sunlight's bright rays finally wake you, you feel as if you've hardly rested. Wearily, you slowly rise and take a look around the camp. It seems as if Dane had gotten up sometime earlier and is somewhere out of sight.

Though this worries you slightly, you're also grateful for the moment alone. Sighing softly, you gingerly attempt standing. Though your leg is bruised you find yourself able to place weight on it. With slight discomfort you're able to make your way around the area. After a moment, you locate a satchel that has been left behind. Presumably the medical supplies are tucked somewhere in its interior, prompting you to gather the item. Sitting back down, you slowly begin unfastening its clasp. You startle visibly a moment later at the sound of footsteps behind you.

"I'm away for a few minutes," You hear Dane's rather surly tone before turning your head to meet his gaze. "And you use the opportunity to prowl through my belongings."

"I need the bandages." You explain through gritted teeth, unsurprised to see the tense dynamic remains unchanged.

The man frowns slightly before leaning down and taking the pack from your hands. You can't help rolling your eyes slightly before turning your attention back to your leg. Less blood has seeped through the bandage, meaning your wounds are healing quickly. Typically, this would be a relief as it is dangerous to be left in a **** position for long. However, given the circumstances, you're somewhat **** to see what will happen once you're able to travel. The possibility of obtaining any information from your stubborn companion seems even slimmer now than before. Out of the corner of your eye, you see Dane pull the medical kit from his satchel. Wordless, you hold your hand out expectantly.

"Don't be stupid." He replies bluntly as he opens the kit and begins pulling items out. "I can't risk you making your injuries worse and delaying the trip."

"It's redressing bandages, it's hardly rocket science." You mumble irately, though you're unsurprised by his behavior. "Why are you in such a rush to get back anyway?"

"We're not going back."

This response catches you off guard, as you quickly turn to face the man. Frowning, you wait for him to explain further. Instead, he kneels down and begins attending to your leg. Sighing in frustration, you decide not to fight him on that part.

"What do you mean we're not going back?" You question as he begins unwrapping the slightly bloody bandage.

"The less you know the better." Dane responds after a moment, seeming to focus his attention on the task at hand.

You're relieved that the process is slightly less painful this time. Though, that likely can be attributed to the fact that your wounds are beginning to repair. This, however, is the least of your concerns. You had thought this whole ordeal would eventually lead to rejoining some type of society. The prospect of going somewhere completely unknown with man is far from ideal.

"And why am I coming?" You can't help blurting out.

"I'll need some help along the way." He replies somewhat cryptically. "We can part ways after that."