4. Sam
4
SAM
S am stood at the edge of Fort Haven, her heart racing as she took in the view. The walls seemed a lot taller and more imposing than she’d imagined they’d be. It was as if they held secrets and stories they weren’t ready to tell. She could see the watchtowers at each corner and the vigilant eyes of a couple of people scanning the surroundings. She felt a rush of uncertainty.
They’re going to let us in, aren’t they?
Kara walked beside her and grabbed her hand. It felt reassuring. “This is it. Finally, we made it!” Kara said. Sam detected a hint of pride in her voice.
“It’s…impressive. I was expecting more of a welcoming party, to be honest. I know they’re not expecting you, but…still. What’s going on?” Sam replied, her gaze flickering over the fortified gates. There was an energy here, a pulse that felt uninviting and intimidating. “I guess maybe I’m just scared. It’s so different from what I’m used to.”
The corners of Kara’s mouth lifted a little. “I totally understand. It’s supposed to feel overwhelming. The whole idea is to put people off coming. Living and dead. But you get used to it. The structure, the routines… It feels like a sanctuary. It honestly does.”
“Or maybe like a prison?” Sam mused aloud, her brow closing in together. She caught Kara’s eye, and her heart fluttered as she recalled the journey together so far, the way Kara had felt in her arms, and the way their sex had deepened something between them.
Kara’s expression softened. “It really is what you make of it,” she said. “We all have roles here. We’re trying to build something worth fighting for.”
Sam recognized the determination in Kara’s voice. She wanted to believe her, but doubts lingered. “When you tell them what happened to your friends…I just…I just won’t know what to say.”
Kara reached out and stroked Sam’s forearm, sending warmth through her that lingered. “I’ll tell them you saved me. They’ll see you for who you are. You’re not in any danger. Please believe me.”
As they approached the gates, a guard stepped forward. His arms crossed, and a barely hidden aggression was etched into his features. “Stop! Arms in the air.”
“It’s me. I’m back,” Kara announced, a note of authority lacing her tone. “This is Sam. She’s a friend.”
The guard’s expression shifted. “Where are the others? We thought?—”
“I lost them, Danny. I was the only one who made it,” Kara interrupted, lowering her arms and taking a few steps forward. “And this is the woman who saved my life.”
“Saved your life?” the guard echoed. He narrowed his eyes as he scrutinized Sam. “And we’re supposed just to believe that? How come she just saved you? What about Joan? Where’s Joan? Is this woman holding you hostage? Don’t fuck with us, Kara!”
Sam felt the deep weight of his gaze, the pressure mounting as she tried to hold her ground.
“You have every right to be cautious,” she said in a firm but respectful tone. “The others were already dead by the time we reached Kara. I brought her back to you. She’s injured. I’m just trying to help. I won’t trouble you, but I was promised supplies if needed.”
The guard hesitated, glancing between the two women. A single tear rolled down his cheek. “Not my Joanie. Not my fucking Joanie.”
“I’m so sorry, Danny,” Kara sniffed, rubbing her eyes with the sleeve of her jacket.
“Just get inside,” he said abruptly. “I’ll be watching you two.”
“Come on,” protested Kara. “There’s no need to be like that.”
“Just get in. Go explain yourself to the big wigs.” He snorted as he opened a heavy door and directed them inside with a flick of his head.
As they entered the fort, Sam felt the atmosphere shift. The energy was still intense but much more upbeat. Children played, adults were busy at work, and conversations echoed in the open air. For a moment, it felt like she’d gone back to the old world.
Wow…what are the odds? This place is thriving.
“This way,” Kara said, leading Sam deeper into the fort. “You’re going to have to meet some people.”
As they walked, Sam caught snippets of conversations and laughter floating around them. She couldn’t help but admire the sense of community that enveloped them, but a flicker of anxiety gnawed at her. Would they accept her? Would they see her as a threat? Would they kill her on the spot? Is Kara who she says she is?
Kara led her to a gathering area where a small group was seated around a fire pit. “Hey, ev…everyone,” Kara said, barely able to get her words out. “I’m back. This is S…Sam. I’m so sorry. I’m the only one left.”
The group looked up, their expressions a mix of curiosity and suspicion. A tall woman with a striking scar across her cheek broke the silence. “Kara. I’m so glad to see you. What happened?”
“We were attacked. They didn’t make it. I I don’t know what to say, Mona,”
“There’s nothing you can say,” the woman replied. “They’re gone. It is the risk they chose to take. I’m sorry for you, Kara. I am sorry you had to go through that.”
“Thank you, Mona,” Kara said, unable now to control her sobs. “I missed you guys so much. We lost good people.”
“The best,” Mona replied, clenching her hands together.
“I got to her just in time,” Sam ventured. “I brought her back. She’s putting a brave face on it, but she’s not doing well.”
“Sorry, everyone,” Kara interjected. “This is Sam. She got to me and saved me. She’s been protecting me. She’s a survivor, like us.”
“Protecting you?” another voice chimed in, a burly man with a braided beard. “Maybe she needs to bear in mind that it’s just as dangerous in here as it is out there.”
“Enough, Jenk,” Kara cried out, almost shouting. “You can trust Sam. She’s done what she needs to do to survive, just like the rest of us. I can’t believe you guys! I thought you’d be happy to see us. I lost five good people out there. I’ve been through hell! And this is how you react? What’s going on with you all? Give me a goddamned break.”
The tension in the air thickened, and Sam could feel every gaze on her. They were weighing her up. She glanced at Kara, searching for reassurance, but Kara was too upset to speak.
“So, what’s your story?” the woman with the scar asked, her tone softening slightly. “How did you end up finding Kara? I’m Mona, by the way. Oh, and I can tell if you’re a bullshitter, so don’t try me.”
As Sam began to recount her journey, she noticed how Kara leaned in closer, their shoulders brushing. She realized that everyone around the fire pit had also seen.
“I’m part of a nomadic group. I suppose you could call me their leader, but we never really made it official,” Sam explained. “We moved from place to place, searching for supplies, looking for safe spots. When we were out searching, I found Kara on her own, injured. She was desperate to get back here, and I couldn’t leave her to make that journey on her own.”
“You risked your life for her,” the scarred woman said. Sam thought she could hear a hint of admiration as she spoke. “That counts for something. Are you planning on staying?”
“I’ll need to get back to my people at some point. But perhaps I could rest up here a while?” she asked, daring to hope that this wouldn’t cause an issue.
“What?” questioned Kara, her eyes widening as she wrapped her arms around her body and took a step back. “But why?”
“I’m the best chance they’ve got. I wasn’t planning to just abandon them,” she explained, knowing that she had touched on a subject she and Kara hadn’t really had time to discuss. “You knew that.”
Another man in the group coughed, drawing everyone’s attention away from Sam and Kara. He was a younger guy in his early twenties. He was clean-shaven. His clothes were neat, and his hair was carefully combed. “We all know what it’s like to fight for the ones we care about, Kara. If the lady says she isn’t staying, she isn’t staying. Just drop it. Sam, as far as I’m concerned, you can stay as long as you like…but you’ll have to run it by the captain.”
Sam decided to read his attitude as one of warmth, although a part of her still felt the tension lingering. Would the others at Fort Haven feel the same, or would they associate her with the deaths of five of their tribe? And who was this captain guy?
Kara smiled at Sam, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. “See? I told you everything would be okay.”
But Sam still couldn’t shake the feeling it wasn’t going to be as simple as that.
Later that evening, after they’d had a chance to wash up and change their clothes, Sam and Kara found a quiet corner near the central area in the courtyard. Everyone had gathered to share food and keep warm by huddling together, blankets wrapped around their shoulders. The laughter and chatter faded into a gentle hum, allowing them a moment to breathe.
“Thank you,” Sam said, her voice low. “You stuck up for me earlier, and I appreciate it.”
Kara shifted closer, their thighs brushing against each other. “You deserve it. You’ll see. Everyone will come around. They need time. I want you to stay, you know? I got upset when you mentioned going back. Life would be better for you here and we could…you know, get to know each other more.”
Sam looked at Kara, her heart racing as she noticed the way the evening light caught her features. She watched as Kara’s lips curled into what had become a familiar, inviting smile. “I know. Let’s not think about it tonight. It’s a big ask.”
“I have to think about it tonight,” Kara replied with annoyance. “I don’t want to just let you walk away and not give any of this a chance. How often do you find a connection? A real connection?”
The air between them crackled with unspoken tension, and Sam could feel the pull, the longing that had been growing all day. “What if they don’t accept me? What if I’m just a reminder of what they lost? Who’s this captain , and why have you never mentioned him. I don’t feel at ease.”
Kara’s expression softened, and she reached out, her fingers brushing against Sam’s. “You’re not just a reminder. You had nothing to do with my gang dying. Nothing. But listen, you could be a part of this now. Don’t you want to stay here…with me?”
Kara touched Sam’s hand, and a shiver ran down her spine. The warmth of Kara’s hand was comforting but frustrating. “You make it sound so easy.”
“It won’t be easy, but it’s something worth thinking about. Will you think about it, please?” Kara replied, her eyes searching Sam’s. “And the captain’s a woman, by the way. Laeticia. You’ll meet her at some point. She’ll already know about you.”
“Really?” Sam whispered as she grabbed Kara’s hand and squeezed it. “She knows?”
“Sure. She knows everything. But you didn’t answer my question.” Kara shook her head in disappointment. “I think you’re scared of exploring this…whatever it is that’s happening here.”
Their gazes locked, the tension building as Fort Haven and its people seemed to fade into the distance. In that moment, all that remained was the undeniable connection they shared.
“Kara…” Sam began, but the words fell away as Kara leaned in closer, her breath warm against Sam’s skin.
“Please just give me, and this place, a chance, even just for a little longer than one night. Don’t leave me yet,” Kara murmured, her voice thick with emotion.
Sam felt her heart race as Kara’s lips met hers in a soft kiss.
They pulled away slowly, their foreheads resting against each other. Sam’s heart thundered in her chest. “I want you. It’s just complicated. I have people who need me.”
“Tomorrow is never promised, Sam. Just think about it.”
“I’m open to considering it. Is that enough?” Sam replied.
They shared another kiss, this one fueled by a more profound urgency. Sam’s hands ran through Kara’s short hair, and she couldn’t help but smile against her lips. Her fingers traced the curve of Kara’s jaw, feeling the strength and softness of her features.
Kara’s hands roamed over Sam’s back. Each caress felt like a promise.
This woman. Fuck, she drives me wild.
“We should probably join in a little with the others,” she suggested, glancing toward the fire.
Sam shook her head slowly and laughed a little. “Yeah, if we must. I don’t want them to think I’m keeping you from them.”
They walked back toward the group in a comfortable silence. Their shoulders brushed against one another occasionally, an unconscious connection that felt natural to Sam.
When they returned, the atmosphere was alive with chatter and the comforting aroma of a communal meal being prepared. A few familiar faces turned toward them, their expressions shifting from curiosity to acceptance.
Kara slipped her hand into Sam’s, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “See? They’re starting to warm up. You know what it’s like in these places. Trust and respect is earned.”
“I hope so,” Sam replied. It felt good to be here, to be part of something bigger than herself.
“Do you want something to eat?” Kara suggested, leading Sam toward a large pot simmering over the fire. The sight reminded Sam of the warmth of family dinners.
God, I miss everyone. I miss them all so much.
“Hey, you two,” a voice called out. It was Mona. She was ladling food into bowls. “Care for a bite?”
Kara glanced at Sam, who felt a rush of gratitude. “Of course,” Kara replied, her smile brightening. We’d love to. We’re starving!”
As they settled into the circle around the fire, Sam couldn’t help but notice the ease with which Kara engaged with everyone. She was so animated, and the humor and camaraderie were evident in every movement she made. Sam listened and watched. It was refreshing to be somewhere else, somewhere safe, somewhere with walls.
“You know, it’s pretty brave of you to come here after everything,” Mona said, her expression earnest. “Most people wouldn’t have dared come back. Not after losing everyone like that.”
“Where else would I go? I need you all like you need me.” Kara sighed as she reached for Mona’s hand.
“I’m really glad you made it, and your friend seems okay, too.” Mona winked as she lightly squeezed her hand.
After dinner as the sun sank low and the fire crackled around them, people started getting up and dancing as others played well worn acoustic guitars and parts of an old drum kit. Sam hadn’t seen anything like it in years. Her group had to be quiet, vigilant, aware of limiting their sound. This place felt so free.
Kara stood up, extending her hand toward Sam. “Care to join me, ma’am?”
“What? I can’t dance! And don’t call me Ma’am. I’m not that old,” Sam protested, a mock-angry sigh escaping from her lips as she tilted her head to one side and smiled.
Kara huffed loudly, taking Sam by surprise. The younger woman’s eyes glinted mischievously. “Got it! Sorry, Sam. I can’t dance either, you know? But why would we let a small detail like that stop us?”
With a mix of reluctance and excitement, Sam took Kara’s hand, allowing herself to be led into the circle. Allowing herself to just exist in the moment.
“See, you can dance…a little,” Kara joked as she pulled her in closer.
“Don’t tease me. I’ll make you pay for that.” Sam leaned in, whispering softly in her ear.
“Is that a threat or a promise? Either way, I’m in.”
“You know what? You come across all sweet and polite, but really, you know exactly what you want,” Sam teased, brushing her fingers over Kara’s shoulder.
“I do know what I want. You. I can’t wait to show you our sleeping arrangements. When's the last time you slept in a room, in a proper bed with real bedding? Oh, and with a total hottie.” Kara bit her lip.
“I think I’m about ready to find out. Lead the way, will you?” Sam smirked as she held out her hand.