Chapter 16 - Ok, knives hurt more.

Caleb, Bradley, and Carson all stood still, looking out the window for any sign of movement.

"Where's the other guy?" Caleb said, breaking the silence that had filled the room. "What was he talking about?"

Neither of the older kids answered his question, Carson silently praying Caleb wouldn't ask any more questions. She'd grown fond of the boy, but sometimes his curiosity could really test her already thin patience.

Elliot came back to the cabin shortly after, finding the three teens laying on the beds, Carson laying on Bradleys chest and Caleb staring at the ceiling. The sight of his son and Carson made Elliot's stomach turn, a feeling almost comparable to anger filling up his insides, burning them. He pushed it aside, deciding to keep up the facade that everything was fine.

Bradley was the first to react. He stood up the second he heard Elliot walk through the door, Carson and Caleb following his movements.

"I was trying to scare them off," the older man said as his son moved closer to him. "Ok?"

"Okay," Bradley replied, breathing heavily.

He felt a presence behind him, and a warmth engulfed his cold hand, careful so it was hidden from Elliot's sight.

Carson intertwined her fingers with Bradley's. The boy squeezed her hand, wondering how it was so warm even though she was just wearing jeans and a hoodie.

While Elliot was turned around, Carson leaned forward so her chin was on Bradley's shoulder.

"Calm down. Your heart is beating faster than a drum during a Brazilian carnival."

She earned a smile from the boy as he held onto her hand and she moved back, Elliot facing them once again.

"I'm just trying to keep you safe, ok?"

"Ok," Bradley replied once again, the waver in his voice only being heard by the girl that was standing so close to him.

"Just stay here. They're still out there somewhere." With that, the man picked up the rifle and made his way out the door once again, the faint click of the lock being heard from the main room.

The trio watched as Elliot disappeared into the snow covered woods. No one said anything.

Bradley let go of Carson's hand and made his way towards the other side of the room, starting to rummage through the drawers.

"Give me that bag," he ordered to a very confused Caleb. The younger boy did as he was told, throwing his brother the backpack.

"We can't just leave him here," Caleb protested, watching his brother work as Carson stood in the doorway that led to their room, arms crossed in front of her chest.

"Look, he doesn't want to leave, Caleb." Bradley pulled something out of the drawer, the jingling catching Carson's attention.

"Shit," Bradley breathed out, revealing two sets of silver keys.

"Why are there two sets?" Caleb asked, looking at what his brother was holding.

"I don't know." Bradley paused for a second.

"Come on, we just gotta go," Carson said, speaking up. She started making her way to the door, the boys following behind her.

Bradley closed the door behind them, and, together, the three started making their way into the woods.