Good Night: An Apocalypse Story

Stephanie rode up to the settlement, the sound of her bike's engine cutting through the otherwise quiet countryside. The first thing she noticed were the windmills, their blades slowly turning in the breeze. Surrounding the settlement was a wall of logs, thick and well-constructed, with a moat just beyond it. It was a surprisingly well-defended place, especially for a small group. The fact that they had gone to such lengths meant they were serious about survival.

As she approached the bridge leading into the settlement, two men standing in low wooden towers called out to her.

“Who are you?” one of them demanded, his rifle casually resting in his hands but ready to be used if needed.

“I’m Stephanie, a pilgrim,” she replied, her voice steady.

The men exchanged a glance, then one of them nodded. “Oh, a pilgrim. Get in.”

The gate creaked open, and Stephanie drove her bike over the bridge, the rumbling of the engine the only sound. She parked her bike just inside the walls, taking a moment to look around. The settlement was small but bustling with activity. There were about 50 people here, by her count, each one busy with something—whether tending to crops, repairing tools, or moving supplies.

The settlement had a rough, functional look to it. Wooden shacks lined the inside of the walls, with makeshift markets where a few people haggled over items. There was a small firepit in the center where some kids were helping to cook what looked like stew. It wasn’t much, but it was clear this group knew how to survive.

A short, wide woman, older but strong-looking, approached her, wiping her hands on her apron. Her face was stern but not unkind. “You’re the pilgrim, huh? Follow me.”

Stephanie nodded, slinging her pack over her shoulder and following the woman as they walked through the settlement. As they made their way past various groups of people working, the woman kept talking, her voice steady and no-nonsense.

“How long you planning on staying?”

“A few days,” Stephanie answered, glancing around. The settlement seemed well-organized, but everyone moved with purpose, like time was too precious to waste.

The woman gave a curt nod. “If you want to stay, you can help us with something. We don’t let anyone hang around without pulling their weight. And,” she added, looking at Stephanie, “you can earn some credits. Use ‘em to buy what you need. Sound fair?”

Stephanie nodded. “I’m okay with that.”

As they walked, they passed a man sitting lazily near a shack, doing nothing but leaning back in the sun. A guard nearby, rifle slung over his shoulder, strode up to the man with a scowl. Without warning, the guard grabbed him by the collar and started beating him with the butt of his gun.

“Get to work, leech!” the guard growled, hitting the man again until he staggered to his feet, grumbling but moving off to join a group hauling supplies.

Stephanie tensed, watching the exchange. The woman beside her didn’t interfere.

“We don’t like leeches here,” the woman said flatly, her tone leaving no room for argument. “If you’re here, you put your work in. No exceptions. This world doesn’t have room for lazy people.”

Stephanie glanced at the beaten man as he limped away. The harshness didn’t surprise her. This was the way of things now—everyone fought to survive, and those who didn’t pull their weight were a liability.

After a few more minutes of walking, they reached a small central building made of sturdier wood than the others. The woman stopped at the door and turned to Stephanie.

“I’m Mariana, the one in charge of this place,” she said, her gaze steady. “If you want a task, go see Mihai. He’ll give you something to do, and you can earn your keep.”

Stephanie nodded, absorbing the information. Mariana didn’t seem like the type to tolerate nonsense, but there was a practicality to her. She was a leader, and this settlement had clearly survived because of her no-nonsense approach.

Without another word, Mariana gave her a short nod and walked off, disappearing into the bustle of the settlement. Stephanie stood there for a moment, watching the people around her before heading toward where she assumed Mihai would be.

Stephanie made her way through the settlement to the wooden building Mihai worked from. The structure was a bit sturdier than the others, with the air of a shop that had seen many travelers over the years. Inside, it was cluttered but organized, with shelves stacked with tools, supplies, and various odds and ends. The place smelled faintly of oil and wood smoke.

Mihai, an older man with gray in his beard and deep lines etched into his face, looked up as she entered. He wiped his hands on a rag, studying her with the sharp gaze of someone who’d seen more than his share of hard times.

“You must be the pilgrim,” he said, his voice gravelly but not unkind. “Name’s Mihai. Mariana sent word you’d be stopping by.”

Stephanie nodded. “Yeah, I’m looking for a place to stay for a few days.”

Mihai nodded, as if this was routine. He gestured toward the door. “Your housing is in the second building down the row. Simple but sturdy. Get some rest first before taking on any tasks—no point in working when you’re exhausted.” His eyes flicked to her bike outside the window. “And make sure to refill and check your bike. We don’t want any surprises while you’re out there.”

Stephanie glanced back at her bike, her thoughts shifting to the upcoming repairs. “I’ll take care of it,” she said.

Mihai leaned back against the counter, crossing his arms. “How long are you planning to stay here?”

“A few days, maybe more. Depends.”

He stroked his beard thoughtfully. “We’ve got a few short tasks you can help with around the camp, things that need doing, but nothing too big. And when you leave, we have a package we need delivered to another settlement.” He raised an eyebrow. “What’s your destination?”

“Cluj,” Stephanie replied, her voice steady. She hadn’t shared her destination with many people, but here, it felt practical.

Mihai’s eyes brightened a bit at that. “Good. The settlement where the package is going is on your way to Cluj. When you drop it off, you can collect your reward there.”

Stephanie nodded in agreement. It sounded like a good deal. She had to pass through there anyway, and the reward could come in handy.

“I’ll let you know when the package is ready. Until then, get your rest.”

With that, Mihai waved her off, and Stephanie headed back outside, her boots kicking up small clouds of dust as she walked toward the mechanic’s shop. The mechanic’s shed was a more makeshift setup, with parts and tools scattered around a workbench. The mechanic, a grizzled man with grease-streaked hands, glanced up as she approached, his eyes immediately going to her bike.

“Need a refill?” he asked, already grabbing the fuel can.

Stephanie nodded. “Yeah, and a quick check-up.”

He went to work, refilling the tank and checking over the bike with the kind of practiced hands that came from years of experience. As he examined it, he noticed the wear and tear. His gaze lingered on a few old welds, scratches, and replaced parts.

“Looks like she’s been through a lot of repairs,” he said, running a hand along the frame.

Stephanie gave a small smile, her eyes softening just a little. “Yeah, I’ve had to fix her up a few times.”

The mechanic looked at her, surprised. “You did them yourself?”

“Yeah,” she replied simply.

The man raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. “You’re pretty young to know your way around a bike like this. Who taught you?”

Stephanie’s expression shifted, a flicker of emotion passing through her features. “My father,” she said, her voice steady but with a note of something deeper beneath it. Memories of long days spent learning from him—working on the bike, learning to survive in a world that no longer made sense—flooded her mind.

The mechanic nodded thoughtfully, as if understanding the weight behind her words. “Well, he taught you well. You’ve kept her running in good shape.” He gave her a nod of respect, one mechanic to another. “I’ll make sure she’s topped up and running smooth before you head out.”

“Thanks,” Stephanie said, appreciating the compliment and the work. She stood quietly for a moment, watching him finish up the final checks on her bike.

As he worked, the sounds of the settlement drifted around them—the clang of tools, voices talking about the day’s tasks, the general hum of life in a place that had learned to survive in the chaos. For the first time in a long while, Stephanie allowed herself to feel just a little bit of ease. Even if she couldn’t stay long, it was good to have a brief reprieve from the relentless road and the dangers that came with it.

With her bike refueled and ready, Stephanie gave the mechanic a nod of thanks and headed back to the small housing Mihai had mentioned. She had a few days to rest, complete a few tasks, and prepare for her next journey.

Stephanie stepped into her shack, taking in the modest surroundings. The room was simple but functional—a bed, a small table with a chair, a stand, and a few books scattered on the shelves. There was even a mirror, its surface slightly warped from age but clear enough to catch her reflection.

For a moment, she stood there, staring at herself. It was something she didn’t do often—reflecting wasn’t part of her usual routine—but something about today, about the changes she had been feeling, made her pause.

In the mirror, she saw a striking woman—vibrant red hair cascading down her back, full of life despite the harshness of the world she lived in. Her piercing blue eyes stood out, sharp and focused, while her pouty lips and sharp jawline gave her a fierce, determined look. Her features were distinctly European, sculpted and strong, but softened by a certain youthful beauty that hadn’t faded, even in the apocalypse.

Her curvy figure was undeniable—large breasts, a slim waist, big hips, and a full, rounded backside that added to her striking appearance. Her thick thighs and toned, athletic body were evidence of years of survival, of running, fighting, and working her way through the chaos. She was powerful without being bulky, her strength hidden beneath her lean, efficient frame.

Stephanie was dressed In her usual gear—black tank top, fitted black cargo pants. It was a sleek, almost rebellious look.

But as she looked closer, she noticed something different. Since she had been bitten by that small Freak, her appearance had changed subtly, becoming even more striking. Her skin glowed faintly with a vitality she hadn’t had before, her features sharper. Her eyes, once just intense, seemed to carry a depth now, as if there was something more behind them—something new.

“What are you becoming?” she murmured to herself, a faint trace of concern and curiosity lacing her voice. The transformation wasn’t just physical; it was something deeper, something that had been set in motion since that bite.

For a moment, she ran her fingers through her red hair, contemplating the changes. She had always been beautiful in a rugged, dangerous way, but now... it was like the world had started to bend around her, enhancing her in ways she couldn’t fully understand yet.

Shaking off the thought, she stepped away from the mirror, turning her focus back to the practicalities of the day. Whatever was happening to her, she would figure it out. She always did. For now, she needed rest, and then to face whatever task Mihai had in store for her tomorrow.

Stepping over to the bed, Stephanie laid down, her thoughts still lingering on the changes she couldn’t explain. The reflection of the woman in the mirror was both familiar and foreign, and somewhere in between, she had become something more.