Chapter 2

Hours had passed since the tragedy, and Maria was still in shock. She had managed to push herself away from the damaged automobile and found a nearby cave to take refuge in, but she was cold, wet, and in agony. Her head was hurting, and her leg was twisted in an unnatural position. She attempted to call for assistance using her mobile phone, but there was no reception. Maria was stuck, alone, and afraid. 

While she sat crouched in the cave, Maria believed she heard something moving outside. She strained her ears but couldn't hear anything. She wondered whether it was all her imagination, but the sensation of discomfort lingered with her. Then, there was a tremendous pounding sound, as if something were striking the rocks outside the cave. Maria shouted, crawling back against the wall. She grabbed a rock, ready to defend herself if necessary. Yet the hammering ended as abruptly as it had begun, and Maria was left shaking in horror. 

She knew there was no way out of the cave, and she had no clue what was waiting for her. The house outside passed, and Maria's mind started to play games with her. She heard scratching noises coming from the walls and voices in the darkness. Eventually, fatigued and afraid, she drifted into a fitful slumber. As she woke up, it was still dark outside. Maria shuddered, her clothing still moist and chilling against her flesh. But there was something else that made her blood run cold—a nasty, putrid scent that filled the air. 

She gagged, covering her nose and mouth with her hand. That's when she discovered that I brought you here to care for you. Maria felt a flash of optimism—she may be able to receive aid from this elderly guy. 

But the optimism evaporated as she saw the expression in his eyes. There was something wrong with him—something she couldn't quite place. "Thank you," she murmured nervously. "Can you kindly assist me?" "I need to go to a hospital." The elderly guy shook his head, his face deepening. "No, no hospitals. They'll take you away from me, and then I'll be all alone again." Maria's heart plummeted; she recognized the full magnitude of her dilemma