13. River
13
RIVER
R iver rushed to stand between her father and Eliza, her palms raised in a gesture of peace. Thomas’s eyes were wild, but she met his gaze head-on.
“She’s here to help, Dad. She’s with me,” River said firmly. “She helped you last night, and she’s going to do it again. You need surgery. She’s a doctor.”
Thomas grunted and clenched the blanket, pulling it taut with an agitated jerk. His posture was rigid. The muscles in his neck tensed as he glared at Eliza, who remained motionless, frozen to the spot. Eliza’s complexion drained of color, and the professional, self-assured demeanor River had first seen in her was nowhere to be seen under the weight of Thomas’s forceful presence. She noticed the subtle quiver in her fingers as she fidgeted with her clothes.
“She’s not the enemy,” River insisted, advancing with deliberate steps. “She’s the reason you’re still here. You’ve endured a lot. You’ve been through total hell, Daddy. I understand it’s hard to trust, but she’s with me. She’s part of me, Dad. You can have faith in her.”
Thomas’s muscles tightened, the anger in his posture softening just a fraction as he leaned back against the pillows. He looked lost and confused, in pain and exhausted.
Eliza took control as she spoke. “Thank you, Thomas. You’ll be fine if you follow my instructions. Riv? I’m going to need something to fight the infection,” she said, her voice seeming to gain confidence and authority as she spoke. “You might know more than me about this, but there are a few wild plants that might work as antibiotics. I think I saw some near the river on our way here—look for willow bark and yarrow. I’d say it was about half a mile back. And if you can find some honey, it’ll help a lot.”
River nodded enthusiastically and grabbed her bag. She knew exactly where to go and what to find. Her survival and outdoor experience were skills that she cherished now more than ever.
As she stepped out of the cabin, she took in the familiar sights of the forest. It had been too long since she’d allowed herself to notice the richness of the world around her—the vibrant greens, the soft rustling of leaves, the earthy smell that grounded her immediately.
God, it’s good to be back .
Every step through the undergrowth stirred memories of better times. She felt the weight of the last few days lift slightly, her senses remembering a part of her life that had been pushed aside.
As she bent to collect the first plant, a rustling sound caught her attention. Startled, she looked up to see a familiar face emerging from the trees: Kara Wilson.
No way.
“Kara!” River exclaimed, her voice coming out high-pitched with surprise. It had been ages since she’d last seen Kara, but here she was, carrying a basket filled with mushrooms and roots, just like the old days.
I must be hallucinating from the stress.
“River!” Kara’s smile was wide, her eyes reflecting the same joy. “Look at you—still out scouting, I see.” She raised her basket. “I’m just out gathering for Fort Haven. We’re still standing, you know.”
“Fort Haven? I can’t believe it!” River’s heart lifted. She hadn’t heard anything about them for so long. “I should’ve known there’d be people up there, but I haven’t given it much thought. How many of you are there?”
“Plenty! More people are arriving by the day. By the hour, in fact,” Kara said, her words tinged with pride. “It’s been tough over the last week or so. There aren’t a lot of undead around in the woods. We’ve been picking them off and burning the bodies. We still don’t have a clue what’s going on. I guess none of us do, but we’re holding on, canning whatever we can find—just like the good old days, right? Your dad taught us so much. Can you believe all this shit, Riv?”
River couldn’t get her words out fast enough as she told her old friend all about her father and what she’d been through to get him help. “Once he’s better, maybe we’ll head your way,” River said, feeling lighter with the knowledge that the world outside hadn’t completely collapsed. “He’s not out of the woods yet, but my…girlfriend knows what she’s doing.”
Kara squeezed her arm. “Look at you, Riv! Finding time for romance even though the world’s come to an end. You’ll get through it. And when you’re ready, come find us. You know we’d love to see you guys.”
The encounter left River with a sense of purpose. As she made her way back to the cabin, her bag full of plants, she finally felt hope again.
Inside the cabin, Thomas’s condition had worsened. Eliza had laid out her makeshift surgical tools, her face set in a mask of concentration. River handed her the plants, and without a word, Eliza began grinding them into a paste. She sterilized the knife. River felt the atmosphere in the room grow tense.
“I remembered we have some honey in the pantry. We got it a few years ago. It’ll still be okay, right?”
“It’s better than nothing, yes. You were gone a while, Riv. You didn’t meet any walkers, did you?”
“No, no. Not at all. You won’t believe this, but I met this woman I used to go on scouting hikes with years ago. She volunteers up at this Fort Haven place. It’s about twenty, twenty-five miles south of here. It’s a great place. Dad and I used to love it there. It’s a big, outdoorsy camping site. She said a good amount of people are holed up there. They seem to be making a go of it, sticking together and helping each other out. They’re in good hands with her.”
“It sounds amazing, but…listen up. The infection has spread deeper than I feared. There’s no other choice. I have to do this now.”
The wooden walls of the cabin seemed to close in tighter around them. Thomas’s ragged groans cut through the otherwise still air. Eliza’s hands worked steadily, but River noted the concern in her eyes every time she glanced at Thomas. Eliza moved with practiced precision, her focus unwavering. The cabin, once a sanctuary for River and her father, now felt like a trap.
River stood by her father’s side, her heart pounding with a rhythm that seemed too loud in the quiet space. She watched as Eliza prepared for the surgery, her movements efficient but tinged with the strain of what was at stake. Each sound from Thomas—his restless murmurs and the occasional pained sigh—made River’s stomach clench tighter. The severity of his infection was evident, the wound on his leg swollen and dark, a menacing sight that spelled the need for drastic intervention.
Eliza turned to River, her expression firm yet sympathetic. “River, I need you to stay calm,” she said, her voice steady. “But I’m going to need your help. We don’t have much time.”
River nodded, though her hands trembled slightly as she reached out to steady her father. “I’ll do whatever you tell me to do,” she promised, trying to sound more confident than she felt. She glanced at her father, who lay motionless except for the occasional shallow twitch. His face was so pale that her heart ached.
River moved to her father’s side, her hands resting gently on his shoulders. “Dad,” she said softly, though her voice was tinged with desperation. “I need you to hang on. We’re going to get you through this. Eliza’s the best. Just stay with us.”
Thomas’s body tensed at her touch, his murmurs growing more intense. River felt her resolve falter, but she clenched her teeth and squared her shoulders. Her internal monologue sounded so loud against the backdrop of the cabin’s silence. Failure was not an option—losing her father would leave her broken. Life would be pointless without him.
As Eliza worked, River could see just how fiercely determined she was. Her hands, though steady, moved with urgency as she made the necessary incisions. River’s role seemed simple enough—she just had to hold her father down as he writhed in pain. The sounds around her were raw and visceral. The knife made a dull, repetitive sound as it sliced through flesh, and Thomas’s cries of agony filled the cabin, mingling with the echoes of River’s own anxiety.
“Can’t we do something to help him deal with the pain? He can’t handle this!” she screamed as she tried to catch Eliza’s eye.
Eliza’s brow was furrowed with concentration, her face close to the wound as she worked to remove the infection. The air was thick with the smell of antiseptic and the earthy aroma of blood, a reminder of the harsh reality they faced.
“We don’t have anything except some vodka. I gave him half a bottle while you were out. That’s why he’s bleeding so much,” Eliza explained without breaking her focus. “He’ll need the rest later.”
River’s voice wavered as she spoke to her unconscious father. “Fight, Dad. Please. We need you. I need you.” Her words were a desperate plea in the midst of the chaotic scene.
The minutes dragged on, each one stretching out as Eliza worked tirelessly. The tension in the cabin was palpable, an oppressive force that pressed down on them. River’s hands were wet with sweat, her grip on her father firm yet gentle.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Eliza straightened her back, wiping her brow with a forearm smeared with blood.
“It’s clean. I’ve cleared the infection. I need to wrap the leg now, but I think the worst of it is over. I’ve reset the bone. If I can bandage it tight enough, he’ll most likely be fine.”
Eliza exhaled deeply, her shoulders sagging as she took in the sight of Thomas. River, overwhelmed with relief, let her own tears flow freely. The sight of her father, his fever now breaking, was a balm to her frazzled nerves. She collapsed into Eliza’s arms.
“Thank you, thank you so much,” River whispered, her voice muffled against Eliza’s shoulder. “I don’t know what I would have done if...”
Eliza’s embrace was gentle, her presence a steady anchor in the storm of reality. “I think he’s going to be okay,” Eliza assured her softly. “I did everything I could. He has a real chance now. But he needs strict bed rest and close monitoring.”
Their eyes met, and River saw the depth of Eliza’s commitment mirrored in her gaze. The gratitude and affection River felt for Eliza was almost overwhelming.
Oh my God, thank you for this woman.
As Thomas slept, his condition stabilized, and River and Eliza finally had a chance to catch their breath. They stepped outside for a moment, seeking a brief respite from the confines of the cabin. The world outside was calm, the forest stretching out in tranquil silence. Even if at any moment the infected could appear, it almost seemed like the world was normal out here.
“I totally get why you love it out here,” said Eliza quietly.
“I know. My dad and I were going to really make something of this place. But, well…” replied River, the disappointment in her words evident.
“You still could,” suggested Eliza.
“You think? Like…a zombie retreat center? Kill a few walkers on your way in and then enjoy some home-grown veggies? Yeah, I can see the pamphlets now.”
Eliza took River’s hand, her touch warm and reassuring. “This has all been so much,” she said softly. “Seriously. I mean, what the fuck? I could laugh just thinking about it. Goddamn zombies, Riv. It doesn’t even sound real. The zombie apocalypse! But at least I found you.”
River nodded, her gaze drifting over the landscape. “I never imagined this would be our reality,” she admitted. “But maybe we can really start over out here. It feels safer than the city, that’s for sure. There’s a chance we could have a life beyond just surviving. I’ll help you make contact with your family, too, I promise.”
Eliza’s smile was filled with confidence. “Thank you. I pray they’re out there safe somewhere. I’m certain we can make it work here, at least for now. We’ll build something real. And when your father is better, he’ll help us. And we can even venture out and see what else there is. Fort Haven, huh? That’s what it’s called?”
River’s thoughts drifted to the conversation she’d had with Kara Wilson. The chance encounter had helped remind her that they weren’t alone. There were other people out there who were getting through this. That felt like a lifeline.
“We’ll get through this,” River said, her voice firm with resolve. “Life ain’t over yet.”
Eliza lowered her head as if she was embarrassed. “I’m with you, you know? No matter what. My feelings for you have come on so quickly. It almost feels as unreal as the zombies. I didn’t even know I was gay.”
“I’ll never rush you, y’know? We can take this at your pace. There’s a fuckload to get our heads around right now, and your sexuality is the safest problem we have,” River said with a gentle laugh.
The day turned into evening, and River and Eliza returned to the inside of the cabin. They barricaded the doors and windows to make it their safe haven for now. Thomas was resting peacefully, and his condition was stable. River’s mind raced with thoughts of the future—of what lay ahead for them once Thomas was fully recovered.
What is this I’m feeling? Is it real happiness? Apocalyptic happiness?
In River’s bed, they moved closer without even saying a word, their connection pulling them in. A sense of safety finally allowed them to relax, even if only temporarily. Their kiss began gently, but soon became more passionate. As they lost themselves in each other, the tension of the last few days dissipated, replaced by relief and comfort.
“I want to feel every part of you. Every curve, every scar, every inch of your skin,” Eliza whispered.
River’s fingertips moved gently over Eliza’s skin, feeling her warmth. The softness of her body responded with the slightest shiver. Eliza’s breath caught in her throat as River’s lips brushed against hers. The kiss began slow and tender before deepening. The scent of Eliza’s skin, now just as familiar as it was intoxicating, enveloped River, pulling her deeper into the moment, her heart racing.
As their mouths met fully, Eliza shifted closer, her body naturally aligning with River’s. River’s hand moved to Eliza’s breast, cupping the soft curve. Eliza’s breath hitched, her chest rising to meet River’s touch as her back arched slightly, pressing their bodies closer together. The heat between them grew, intensifying with each passing second, their connection more than physical—it was something instinctual, primal.
River’s hand slid down, her fingertips tracing the curve of Eliza’s hip before dipping lower. She felt the warmth and slickness between Eliza’s legs, the subtle pulse of blood rushing through her swollen clitoris. Eliza trembled beneath her touch, her body opening, her labia soft and wet as she shifted instinctively to welcome the sensation. River explored her gently, her fingers gliding over the sensitive skin, each movement eliciting a quiet moan from Eliza, whose hips arched in response.
River listened to the rhythm of Eliza’s breathing, every gasp and shudder guiding her. Her fingers moved with deliberate care, stroking Eliza’s clitoris in slow, measured motions, feeling the soft tension building in her body. Eliza’s hands gripped River’s waist, pulling her closer, and soon they were fully entwined. River’s thigh pressed between Eliza’s legs, the friction heightening the intensity of their closeness.
“Let me touch you, please,” Eliza groaned.
River took her hand and pushed it to her swollen clit, guiding her to massage it in time with her own body movements. As River continued, she felt Eliza’s pelvic floor muscles contracting in rhythmic pulses around her fingers.
The tension built within Eliza, her body moving in time with River’s hips as they found a shared rhythm. The feeling of being so connected, so profoundly attuned to Eliza’s every movement, overwhelmed River. The heat between them and the sound of their bodies moving together filled the room.
Eliza’s orgasm came in waves, her body tightening and her breath catching in a series of soft, gasping moans. River felt it in the way Eliza’s muscles clenched and her clitoris pulsed beneath her fingers as Eliza’s release washed over her. She could make her come so quickly. She already knew how to work her body into pleasure. The sight of her coming undone pushed River into an intense radiation climax as Eliza’s fingers moved firmly against her clit.
The flood of post-climax hormones left them both feeling weightless, suspended in a shared euphoria. River held Eliza close, the connection between them making them forget the rest of the world.
As the first pale light of dawn seeped through the cracks in the cabin walls, River and Eliza lay tangled in each other’s arms, their breath steady as the weight of the night before lingered between them. The world beyond felt distant, a ghost that could wait as long as they wanted it to.
River shifted slightly, her lips curving into a small, satisfied smile as she gazed at Eliza. “Isn’t this situation just…crazy? We saved my dad—well, you saved my dad, and we found each other in the process, but only after the world turned upside down, chewed us up, and spat us out.”
Eliza’s smile was soft and knowing. She reached for River, her fingers brushing lightly across her back as if to confirm her presence. “We certainly did that,” she murmured, drawing her closer. “And now we’ve got to move forward and see what’s next.”
They lay like that for a while before taking turns to check on Thomas.
River watched Eliza get out of bed and smiled to herself. She felt something deep inside her—the certainty, the quiet strength that had been forged in the space between them. There was no need to say it out loud. The feeling she had for Eliza was like nothing she’d felt before. And now River had her by her side to face the challenges ahead. She knew they’d make it through this, one step at a time.