CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-SEVEN: INTO THE DESERT

As Claire worked on Mason's wound, Robert's brow furrowed with concern. He tapped the fuel gauge, which was hovering dangerously close to empty. "Guys, we've got another problem," he announced grimly. "We're running on fumes here. I don't know how much further we can go." Mason leaned forward, wincing at the movement. "Any idea where we are? Have you seen any signs for towns or gas stations?" Robert shook his head. "Nothing. It's like we're in the middle of nowhere." Claire finished bandaging Mason's arm and looked out at the desolate landscape. "What are we going to do if we run out of gas?" The question hung in the air, heavy with unspoken fears. They all knew what being stranded in the desert could mean, especially with Red and his men potentially in pursuit. "We keep going," Mason said firmly. "It's our only choice. We have to hope we find something before the tank runs dry." As they drove on, the sun climbed higher in the sky, beating down mercilessly on the parched earth.