NOVEL WEB Chapter 20: Adapting and Surviving
Nyanko Sakura sat in the quiet of the library, her mind racing with thoughts of their recent encounter. Her broken arm throbbed with pain, a constant reminder of the danger they had narrowly escaped. She carefully set down her full bag, taking a moment to assess their situation.
"Kuro, we need to be smart about this," she said softly, looking at her cat companion. Kuro meowed in agreement, curling up beside her.
Sakura's pull basket had been abandoned in the frantic escape from the bear. She knew she couldn't manage to carry everything they found with her injured arm and limited mobility. She needed to rethink their strategy.
First, she had to deal with her broken arm. She rummaged through her bag, thankful for the first aid kit she had found earlier. With some difficulty, she managed to fashion a makeshift splint using a wooden ruler and some bandages. It wasn't perfect, but it would have to do for now.
Next, Sakura focused on their supplies. Her bag was overflowing, and she knew she needed a better way to organize and transport their essentials. "I need to improve the pull basket," she thought, her mind flashing back to the items they had found in the hardware store.
With Kuro's help, she gathered materials and tools from the library and the surrounding area. Using her newfound crafting skills and instincts, she set to work on modifying the pull basket. She reinforced the structure with extra wood and added a door to keep the contents secure. It was a challenging task with her broken arm, but she persevered, driven by necessity.
Kuro watched attentively, occasionally nudging items towards her as if understanding what she needed. Sakura smiled, grateful for the cat's company and assistance. "You're a great help, Kuro," she said, giving the cat a gentle pat.
Once the pull basket was improved, Sakura turned her attention to making a portable shelter. She knew they couldn't always rely on finding safe buildings to rest in. Using some old tarps and poles she had found, she fashioned a simple tent that could be easily set up and taken down. It wasn't perfect, but it would provide some protection from the elements.
Satisfied with their progress, Sakura packed their supplies into the improved pull basket. It was more manageable now, and she felt a sense of accomplishment. "This should help us a lot," she said, looking at Kuro. "Let's keep moving."
With the tent packed and the pull basket in tow, Sakura and Kuro set off again, cautiously navigating the deserted streets. They moved through the city, keeping an eye out for both danger and opportunity. The encounter with the bear had reminded Sakura just how unpredictable this world could be.
As they walked, Sakura's thoughts drifted to the wolf they had encountered earlier. "I wonder if it's still out there," she mused, her grip tightening on the handle of the pull basket. She knew they had to stay vigilant.
They came across a small park, a rare patch of greenery amidst the concrete jungle. Sakura decided to take a break, setting up their tent in a secluded corner. She and Kuro sat together, sharing a meal and resting their weary bodies.
"Kuro, I think we're starting to understand this world a little better," Sakura said, watching the cat nibble on a piece of fish. "We just need to keep learning and adapting."
As night fell, Sakura's thoughts turned to the future. She knew their journey was far from over, but with each day, they were becoming more resilient. She lay down beside Kuro, feeling a sense of hope despite the challenges they faced.
"We'll make it through this," she whispered, closing her eyes. "Together."