This is a little a little idea that's been festering within me for a while. I'm posting a teaser of sorts to see what anon thinks. I may then continue it as a proper story, if enough people show interest. If not, it's a mere vignette, suddenly appearing, and quickly forgotten...
~
I quickened my pace in order to keep up with her. The loud crunching sound of leaves and the snapping of twigs intensified. My side bag weighed heavily, feeling like a sack of lead.
Did she plan to simply run away? That wasn't very fair.
I wasn't going to give up that easily, though. Even though I had been walking for the better part of the day, I still had enough stamina to meet any challenge she threw at me. And even if I didn't, I was sure that sheer determination on my part would be enough to keep up with her. I hadn't gotten into this without being prepared.
I grinned. My mouth was dry and my throat ached – both proof of my determination.
“That's extraordinarily disturbing.” She quipped from up ahead. It was the first set of words she had directed at me since leaving. I widened my grin further on the realization that she was stealing glances at me in between brisk steps.
“Careful there. I wouldn't want you to trip because of me.” I joked. “I learned my first-aid from working with animal corpses.”
“That's alright. I can handle myself.” She looked ahead, her words barely reaching my ears. “I've been doing this for more time than you can imagine.”
“That's not what the others say. They say that you've been barely doing this for a year or so.” I told her what the villagers had told me. They, at least, hadn't been aware of her until last year or the year before last. That said, they were hardly the most credible source. They practically still believed that life originated spontaneously.
She didn't reply. That suited me fine. There probably wasn't that much left anyways.
After a half an hour more of effort and perspiration, we reached a stop. I had successfully kept up with her.
“So, what do I get?” I smiled at her, trying to hid
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