Author's Note

Maria

In the back yard of her southwestern Georgia home, Maria Drake finished her morning routine with several sets of pull-ups. At this point in her life, she barely felt any strain from rigorous activity anymore. With one last repetition, she planted herself firmly on the ground. She paused just long enough for her heart to slow down. It was more than enough time for a cool breeze to brush her bangs aside. Her eyes were filled with such great sorrow...

Maria trudged into the kitchen through the back door of the house. She opened the refrigerator, grabbing several snacks and a bottle of water. After taking a swig to stave off overexertion, she headed through the main hall to her room upstairs.

"Guess I should check my messages..."

Maria booted up her computer, resting in her chair for a more comfortable view. It didn't take long for the notifications tab to pop up.

"Robert...?"

She opened Robert's message without hesitation.

"Oh, good God..."

Maria picked up the phone. She dialed the number for the local hospital where her brother worked.

Brandon was sorting through paperwork when the phone by his desk rang. He answered expecting a troubled soul in need of guidance. To an extent, he was right.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Brandon..."

"Maria?"

"Emily's in trouble. Robert sent an SOS a few minutes ago."

"What's going on?"

"They're trapped inside by a pack of feral wolves."

"Can't they just call animal control?"

"Emily's already been bitten. It's too dangerous for them to handle now."

Brandon sighed sadly.

"All right...I'm on my way."

"Thanks."

"What are big brothers for, right?"

"I'll see you soon."

Brandon ended the call. He left a note for his superiors and headed for the exit.

Maria made the necessary preparations for their journey. It would take about ten hours to reach their destination without making any pit stops. She packed food, weapons, and medication. Once everything was collected, she awaited her brother's return.

Within twenty minutes, Brandon arrived at the house. Maria had unlocked the door beforehand, allowing him to enter quickly without losing time.

"Let me change real quick." he requested.

Maria nodded. Brandon moved briskly, exchanging his garments for a set resembling his sibling's.

"You grab my axe already?"

Maria held up the tool. Brandon retrieved it with haste.

"Let's go."

Brandon stopped the car across the city where Emily's family lived. Maria rushed to the side of the road, retching and coughing as a result of extended motion sickness. Her brother rubbed her back to comfort her.

"You wanna stop for a Gatorade? I need to fill up the car anyway..."

"We don't have time..."

"If you keep pushing yourself, you're gonna keel over. We're almost there...Just a little longer, okay?"

Touched by her brother's display of empathy, Maria relented.

"Good. Finally got some sense through that thick skull of yours."

Brandon carried her back to the car.