Chapter 3 (T) - Returning to Town

  As we walk back to town, I keep turning to look behind me. I really don’t wanna carry Jay the whole way if I don’t have to. But… if he passes out or hurts himself or something, I may have to, so I’ve gotta make sure I notice if it happens. Still, I’m bored. Guess I’ll try making small talk.

  “So, what were you doing out here this late at night?”

  He looks thoughtful. “Running.

  “Running from who?”

  He doesn’t respond. I look back to see if he’s alright, but he’s just staying silent.

  “Still confused, or don’t wanna say?”

  Still no response. It doesn’t take a genius to see the gears turning in his head as he tries to figure out how much he wants to tell me. Guess he’s hiding why he was out here deliberately.

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  “Alright, if you’re that worried about it, I won’t pry.”

  “...How close are we to town?”

  “Not too far now. In a few minutes you’ll probably be able to see the lights off in the-” As we turn around a tree, I cut myself off. I can see light from the town already.

  “I think I can see the light now.” Jay walks up beside me. “...Is something wrong? You look concerned.”

  “...We shouldn’t be close enough to see the lights yet. They’re way too bright.”

  “The lights are… too bright? But what does that-

  Even in the dim light, I can see the color drain from Jay’s face. He must have reached the same conclusion as me. Right then, I hear a distant roar from the direction of the town.

  “What was that?!”

  Jay looks at me. “...What was what?”

  Oh yeah, he’s got normal human ears. He couldn’t hear it. “There was a loud roar. You don’t think-”

  “...The town may be under attack. We need to move, now.”

  “Right!” With barely a second thought, we take off running towards the flickering light in the distance.