The Wilderness; Solitary Moments
Hours had passed, the storm still showed no signs of stopping. No sign of humans or life— just trees and foliage. Vincent's stomach growled. His mind kept racing with thoughts. Did he truly lose Isabella and Lily? But this was no time for thinking anymore. The wind was getting stronger still, one more rush would probably take his sheltering cluster of bushes out. Bracing himself, he stood up and quickly walked through the forest. He felt his wet shoes cling to the mud, and the wind whispered through the trees. Fortunately, he stumbled upon a very small cave nestled into the side of a rocky outcrop, its entrance partially obscured by hanging vines and ferns, there were also heavy rocks near the entrance. It wasn't much, but it offered some respite from the biting wind and driving rain. Vincent wasted no time, he began searching for anything that could block the entrance of the cave. He also scanned for any dry branches or twigs, if there were any hidden behind a thick tree. He eventually managed to find a fallen log, a few damp branches and strips of bark. Stuffing the materials in his pockets, he rolled the log to the entrance of the small cave.
Rolling the log, finally, he reached the entrance and positioned the log across the opening, using it to block the worst of the wind and rain. It wasn't a perfect solution, but it offered some protection from the elements. He then dragged the rocks with all the strength he could muster. It was backbreaking work, but Vincent knew it was necessary if he wanted to stand any chance of weathering the storm. His muscles strained and his breaths came in heavy pants. The ground was sodden, but he managed to make a low wall with the rocks. With a sigh of relief, he climbed up the rocks and ducked inside the cave. The wall had worked, the cold and harsh wind was blocked off mostly. Taking off his clothes and laying them on the floor to dry, he brought his twigs and bark out, then piled them up. He spotted a piece of flint nestled among rocks. He picked it up and carefully struck it against another rock, sending sparks cascading onto the pile. But nothing happened. One strike after another, yet nothing happened. He blew slowly on the pile, and then finally, a small ember began to smoulder among the tinder. With gentle breaths, he nursed the ember into a small flame, adding more fuel as needed until the fire roared to life, casting a warm and comforting light into the cave. Soon, the cave was bathed in the warm and comforting light of the roaring fire, casting away the chill and dampness that had seeped into his bones.
Vincent sighed in relief, his lips curled into a tired smile. "At least I have some warmth now…" he murmured, but then his smile faltered into a frown. "Man."
His teeth clenched and his heart begged, tears welled up in his strained face. "Wh—why!? WHY!? JUST… why…?" he cried. "What did I FUCKING DO!?"
"WHAT DID I FUCKING DO TO DESERVE THIS!?" Vincent screamed, pulling his hair. "GOD! WHAT SIN DID I DO!?"
He let go of his hair, slamming his fists on the cave floor. "How… can… you… be so cruel?"
He buried his face in the ground. "Why?" he asked repeatedly. "I want to hold them… just… again… I promise… I'll never— let go!" he groaned. "Please bring them back to me…"
Vincent's words fell silent under the storm roaring outside the cave. He looked outside with his teary eyes, grunted and picked up a few rocks. "THIS IS YOUR FUCKING FAULT! STUPID STORM! CURSE YOU! CURSE YOU— ARGH!" he protested, throwing rocks through the gap as far as he could, as if trying to take revenge.
"If you were a GODDAMN person I'd have killed you in ways so FUCKING VILE!" Vincent's words echoed through the cave walls. his body shook with sobs as he collapsed onto the rocky ground.
Vincent's rage consumed him, his voice a hoarse whisper as he continued to curse the storm. "You think you can break me? You think you can take everything from me and leave me here to rot? Well, you won't win. I won't let you. Stupid fucking nature. How are you even called mother? You're a cruel bastard." he pounded his fists against the ground, his knuckles bloody and bruised.
"You think you're a better mother than Bella huh? You think you treat your 'kids' better than I treat Lily, huh!? Well damn you! I'll find a way to survive. I'll make it through this, and when I do, I'll make you pay. You hear me? I'll make you pay for what you've done!" his voice cracked as he yelled for one last time.
Vincent exhaled heavily. He gulped and cleared his throat. It'd be better if he stopped wasting his breath, he needs to find a way to collect food. Water wasn't a problem. Sighing, he put on his damp clothes and climbed outside. He made sure to always be under a thick dense canopy to avoid getting soaked. But then his eyes spotted a piece of wood, it wasn't much, but it had a round shape, like a half cylinder of some sort. If he had a sharp rock he could carve the wood away to craft a makeshift bowl to collect rainwater. But that was a worry for later, now he desperately needed food. Fish wasn't an option, so fruits was all he could get.
Vincent set off deeper into the forest, his senses alert for any signs of edible vegetation. The rain continued to pour down, but he pressed on, his hunger driving him forward. Finally, after what felt like an eternity of searching, he spotted a cluster of orange berry bushes nestled among the trees. Honeyberries as he called, also grew here. With careful fingers, he plucked the ripest berries he could find, his mouth watering at the thought of their sweet taste. But for now, his immediate need for nutrition took priority, and he focused all his energy on gathering as much food as he could find. Vincent's eyes scanned the undergrowth as he moved deeper into the forest. Among the thick foliage, he spotted clusters of wild strawberries, their bright red hue standing out against the greenery. With careful fingers, he plucked the ripest berries, relishing in their sweet and tangy flavour. Continuing his search, he came across a patch of blackberry bushes, their dark purple fruits glistening with rainwater. And then his eyes spotted a wild apple tree, its branches heavy with ripe fruit. Hastily he reached up and plucked an apple from the tree, feeling its smooth texture in his hand. The crisp crunch as he bit into the fruit filled him with a sense of satisfaction, the sweet juice trickled down his chin.
He plucked a few more, before running back. Using the direction of the foliage and the lightning, he managed to find his way back to the cave entrance, where picked up the piece of wood and then finally climbed back in his makeshift shelter.