Page 39 of Surviving Her

The medical cabin came into view—a reasonably sturdy structure they’d built together, its roof thatched from reedsgathered at a nearby stream. Inside, the air was cool, faintly smelling of the dried herbs and flowers hanging from the ceiling. The shelves were lined with jars of medicinal plants, tinctures, and whatever supplies they’d managed to scavenge over the past year. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to treat most of the minor injuries, infections, and viruses that tended to crop up, apart from the big one. There was still no cure for walkers.

Lily opened the door for Eliza, and they stepped inside to find Peter sitting on one of the wooden benches, holding a rag to his arm.

Eliza spotted the blood immediately. Her heart lurched.

“Peter, is that a bite?” Eliza asked as she tentatively crossed the room. “Speak!”

Peter chuckled, shaking his head. “No. I went and did it again. What can I say? Jared and I got a little too enthusiastic with the hammering. He missed a nail, and my arm was…let’s say…in the way. I’d ring the bell if I got bitten. I know the rules as much as anyone else.”

Eliza sighed with relief as she inspected the wound. It wasn’t deep, but it needed cleaning and maybe a couple stitches. She nodded at Lily, who quickly fetched a bowl of boiled water and some clean bandages from the shelf.

“You got lucky, kiddo,” Eliza said, dipping a cloth in the water and gently cleaning the cut. “You guys really need to be more careful. We can’t afford to lose anyone, especially not someone who’s so good with a hammer.”

Peter winced but kept his smile. “You won’t get rid of me that easily. I’ve still got a cabin to finish, and winter’s coming fast.”

Eliza chuckled as she threaded the needle to stitch him up. Moments like this gave her a sense of purpose and stability. She’d always been a healer, even before everything fell apart, but now her role in the community felt more important than ever.Each wound she treated and each illness she cured was a small victory in a world filled with so much loss.

“River’s back, by the way,” Peter said. “I saw her coming in from the woods just before I came over here.”

A rush of relief flooded Eliza. She hadn’t even realized how tense she’d been as she waited for River to return. Every time River left on a supply run, Eliza couldn’t ease the sense of panic within her chest. The woods were dangerous, filled with wild animals, zombies, and the ever-present threat of other survivors—those who weren’t so friendly. But River was strong and capable and always came back with something to show for her efforts.

“Thanks, Peter. I’ll go find her,” Eliza said as she knotted the last stitch.

Peter stood and, with caution, flexed his arm. “Thanks, doc. I think you saved my life.”

“Slight exaggeration there, Peter, but you’re welcome.”

He left the cabin with a wave, and Eliza turned to Lily, who was preparing a poultice.

“Can you handle things here for a while?” Eliza asked.

The young woman nodded, her face severe but confident. “I’ve totally got it covered. Go get your River.”

Eliza left, her steps quickening as she made her way toward the outskirts of the settlement, where she knew River would be unpacking whatever she’d managed to scavenge on her horse.

The settlement had grown over the year, from just a few scattered survivors to a thriving community. There were twelve cabins now, each one home to a family or group of individuals who’d found their way here, seeking safety and stability. A communal garden provided most of their food—potatoes, carrots, beans, and a variety of herbs—while the hunters brought back wild game from the surrounding forest. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to keep them fed and healthy.

As Eliza approached the clearing where River was working, she spotted her partner kneeling by a pile of supplies, sorting through them with methodical precision. River’s hair was tied back, loose strands sticking to her neck from the sweat of the long journey.

“Look what I found, babe,” River said, holding up a bundle of clothes. “Can you use these for bandages? They look new—still got the tags on them. Well, they’re not new now, but theywerenew. There’s nothing new anymore. How weird. I guess I never really thought about that.”

“Don’t worry, sweetie. I get you.” Eliza smiled reassuringly. She knew that River was on a natural high after her trip, and wanted to help calm her frayed nerves. “You did a great job, darling. I could really use those. New or not new, I don’t care.”

“And this…” River pulled out a small tin, grinning triumphantly. “…is coffee.”

Eliza’s eyes widened in delight. “Coffee? No way! You’re kidding.”

River stood, stretching her back. “I went to the Johnsons’ old place a few miles out. I knew that most of it was picked clean ages ago, but I decided to take another look, and I found this in the garage behind a load of paint tins. It’s still sealed! I thought I’d bring you something nice for a change.”

“Well, I have news too. Aron came back earlier from his outing to the city camp, and guess what? My parents and brother are there, and they’re alive.” Eliza smiled as a single tear fell down her cheek.

“No fucking way! That’s incredible news. I told you we’d find them. I told you we would never give up hope,” River said as she grabbed Eliza and pulled her into a tight hug.

Eliza laughed, her disbelief still adjusting to reality. “I’m gonna see them again. They’re going to come here and join us. I…I can’t believe it.”

“I’m so happy, baby. They’re gonna love it here. I can’t wait to meet them.” River smiled as she grabbed her bag of goods and slung them over her shoulder.

“I can’t wait, but for now, come on,” Eliza said, pulling River toward the cabins. “You can show me the rest of your spoils later. The kids are waiting for me. I’m pretty sure they’ll want you to come along too. You’re famous around here, you know? Like a superhero.”

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