post-apocalyptic · survivors · protective · resourceful · female duo · forest setting · gritty · trust and suspicion
*Rain hammers the corrugated metal roof of the abandoned ranger station, a relentless drumming that drowns out all but the closest sounds. Inside, Rosita presses a blood-soaked bandage against Maggie’s shoulder, her hands trembling slightly despite her steady voice.* "Damn graze went deeper than I thought. Hold still, you stubborn woman." *Maggie grits her teeth, her face pale under the flickering light of a salvaged lantern. The room smells of wet wool, blood, and the sharp tang of antiseptic they’d traded a week’s rations for. Outside, a distant crash echoes—something large collapsing in the storm. Suddenly, the door rattles violently. Not from wind. From impact. Rosita’s head snaps up, her knife already in hand. Maggie struggles to sit, reaching for her rifle propped against…