Page 6 of Surviving Her

God, will this road never end?

The vibrant green forests surrounding her family’s beloved cabin seemed muted by the grim reality of her father’s injury.

River had consistently charted her own course throughout her life. Instead of following the conventional path of a college education, she channeled her passion for the natural world into a career as a wilderness guide. But she was now wondering if that had actually been her calling.

My legs are cramping. I swear my calves are going to explode. What am I going to do?

She usually spent her days leading expeditions for tourists and locals alike, teaching survival courses, and occasionally collaborating with Campdale University scientific research teams on fieldwork. She loved her job and couldn’t imaginedoing anything else. River’s expertise extended beyond mere navigation; she had what her father had told her was a rare ability to instill in those around her a profound respect for nature. She remembered feeling so proud when her father had said that. But as she made her way painfully toward Campdale, she questioned whether any of it was true.

Stupid goddamn cabin. Why did you have to build it so far from civilization, Daddy? I can’t handle this.

Before this so-called outbreak, River and her father were planning to make a permanent move to their family cabin, which would mark a new chapter in their lives. They intended to combine their skills to manage the land around their cabin more effectively and run expanded survival workshops. River had been eagerly anticipating the move to their cabin, where she could cultivate their own fruit and vegetables and live off the land in a way she’d always dreamed of. However, her father’s plans to rear their own meat clashed with her vegan lifestyle, which made her uneasy. At the same time, she was excited about the prospect of growing their own produce, but she struggled with the idea of raising animals for food, a reality her father was keen on exploring. She laughed to herself as she thought back to their fraught conversation on the subject.

“Dad, come on! Raising animals for meat? No way!” she’d exclaimed. “It’s not something I can get behind. I’m vegan for a reason, you know?” She’d crossed her arms, her brow furrowing as she glared at her father.

“I understand, River, but it’s part of the self-sufficiency we’re aiming for.” Her father had stood by the window of her small apartment, his hands resting on the sill as he continued in a calm but resolute tone. “It’s about respecting the whole cycle of life. You can’t expect to live off the land without accepting some hard truths, Lizzy!”

“Oh, Daddy,” she’d pleaded, “respecting life doesn’t mean I have to compromise my values.” River’s voice had softened slightly, but the tension in her jaw remained. She paced a few steps, her fingers gripping the edge of the table as she tried to maintain her composure. “I’m totally on board with the orchard and greenhouses, but I can’t be a part of your killing spree.” Her eyes met his with a mix of sadness and determination.

“We’ll find a balance,” he’d said. “Let’s tackle one thing at a time. We’ll work out the details as we go.”

However, their plans had been accelerated the day before the storm hit when news reports had begun to hint at an escalating crisis. The broadcasts had spoken of a rapidly spreading infection, some mysterious ailment that was easily transmissible. As soon as it had become clear that the authorities were urging people to stay indoors, River and her father fled to the cabin. What they’d initially planned as an exciting future endeavor had quickly become a desperate necessity.

I guess we moved sooner than we thought, huh, Dad?

River’s heart pounded as she thought about her father’s condition. Each minute she spent navigating the treacherous terrain felt like a minute stolen from his already limited time.

The memories of her and her dad’s excitement about their plans haunted her. “We’re going to expand the workshops, River,” he’d said with enthusiasm. “It’s going to be something special, something that’ll make a real difference.” Those words were a stark contrast to the current, grim reality she faced. Her father’s voice echoed in her mind, urging her to stay strong. “Stay sharp, River,” he would say. “The wilderness doesn’t forgive weakness.”

As she walked, River’s thoughts drifted to similar conversations she’d had with Jess, her ex-girlfriend. Jess had always been drawn to city life and the charms of Campdale, which were a stark contrast to River’s dreams of the ruggedwilderness lifestyle. Their relationship had always been a dance between Jess’s need for stability, a solid career, cash flow, and bougie bistros and River’s yearning for independence, freshly picked wild berries, stargazing, and campfires. River remembered their conversations with a mixture of fondness and regret.

Oh, God…Jess…that night we spent in Moulin Rouge…

River pictured the moment she and Jess had sat on the cozy leather couch of their favorite bar in Jess’s hometown, the rich, inviting aroma of artisanal beer enveloping them. Jess’s eyes sparkled with a playful glint as she sipped her cocktail, her lips lingering on the rim.

Those lips of yours, Jess. The things they’d do to me…

“You know something, babe,” Jess murmured, her voice soft and filled with a wistful tenderness. “I love these weekends here. I know you don’t like spending time with my folks, but…”

“It’s not that, hon,” River protested. “It’s just that you moan so much when I go down on you that I’m scared your brother will hear us. He’s a good Catholic boy, Jessie.”

“Ha ha! You’re so right. But don’t you think this is…more…enjoyable than your crazy hikes through the middle of nowhere? We’ve got a nice shower, hot food, cocktails…I mean…come on!”

River chuckled, her fingers gently brushing a stray strand of hair from Jess’s face. “I know, Jess. But you have to admit, the wilderness has its own kind of magic, right?”

Jess leaned in closer, her breath warm against River’s cheek. “You’re right, Riv. I love discovering your world with you. When we were in your cabin, it felt like our own little paradise, away from all the noise.”

River’s gaze locked with Jess’s, a rush of warmth and affection flooding her. “I think we made more than enough noise, if I remember right.”

Jess’s lips curved into a teasing smile as her fingers gently traced the back of River’s hand. “Maybe. But it’s still not quite my thing. I love it, but think about it! Home comforts, Riv. Here, we can eat what we want, catch a bus when we want, see the latest movie, hit a late-night queer bar. I worry sometimes that our worlds are too different.”

“But we always find a way to come together.”

“You can say that again,” Jess joked as their fingers entwined with an intimate closeness that spoke volumes.

The air between them had always been filled with chemistry. River had leaned in, their lips brushing lightly, sending a spark of electric desire through her body. Jess had responded with a passionate kiss, their mouths melding together in a slow, deep exploration.

I miss you, Jess. I wonder where you are right now…

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