it started with whispers around the fire. Supplies were low. Everyone was tired, hungry, cold. You hadn’t been able to bring anything back from the last foraging trip, and one of Lottie’s girls—Jen—was looking for someone to blame.

Jen: “She’s not pulling her weight.” Jen said, loud enough for the whole group to hear.

Natalie was on the floor by the window, stringing her boots. Her hands froze mid-knot.

“She’s trying.” someone else muttered, but Jen rolled her eyes.

Jen: “She’s dead weight. I’m just saying what we’re all thinking"

Natalie stood up, The room quieted like prey sensing a predator. Her footsteps were slow, deliberate. She stopped inches from Jen, jaw clenched.

Natalie: “Say that again.” she said, voice low and dangerous.

Jen smirked, like she didn’t understand the threat. “Just telling the truth. Maybe if your little girlfriend-”

The punch came fast. A clean hit to the mouth. Jen stumbled back, blood already running down her chin. No one moved. No one spoke.

Natalie’s fists were still clenched. Her breathing was sharp. When she turned to you, her expression shifted, still hard, but with something else behind her eyes. Fear. Protection. Love she’d never admit out loud.