𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 ||【 𝕃𝕖𝕧𝕚 𝕏 ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕕𝕖𝕣 𝕏 𝔼𝕣𝕨𝕚𝕟】

|2| People ✔️

I must've fallen asleep, because when I woke up, the sky was pitch black.

I crossed my arms, hugging myself as a shiver ran through me. My nose and fingertips are red from the cold, my breath visible in the air as I let out a shaky sigh.

"Damn, it's cold," I muttered, tugging my hood up over my hat and pulling my mask over my face to trap the warmth. My music was still playing, muffled in my ears, so I reached over and turned it off.

I slipped my phone into my back pocket and walked to the edge, squinting into the darkness. I could barely see a thing, so I pulled the phone back out and turned on the flashlight.

Taking a step forward, I dropped off the wall and fired my gear, catching myself before hitting the ground. I landed with a stumble—just in time to hear a soft, unmistakable neigh.

"Jean? That you?" I asked, aiming the flashlight in the direction of the sound.

Nope. Definitely not Jean. But the resemblance was uncanny.

"Oh, no—but you two could be twins."

I approached the horse slowly, careful not to startle her. She was a mare, white mane streaked with grey, fur dusted with moonlight. Nervous eyes, unsure posture. I didn't blame her.

"Hey, hey... it's alright," I murmured, extending my hand. "I know. You're scared. Probably hungry too."

She leaned into my touch and gave my hand a soft lick.

"There we go," I smiled, scratching under her chin. "Why don't we both get out of here, huh? Sound like a plan?"

She seemed to agree, letting me move to her side. I grabbed the saddle and hoisted myself up. She shifted a bit, getting used to my weight.

"Alright. Let's get moving. It's night, so the freaks shouldn't be too active." I clicked my tongue, and she started forward.

---

I've spent most of the night thinking of a name for her. Nothing's stuck. For now, she's just my quiet companion.

The sun's starting to rise, pale light crawling over the horizon. I'm in a small village now—maybe 40 buildings max—tucked up against the edge of a forest.

I dismounted and tied her to a fence.

"Stay here, girl. I'm gonna look for something to eat." I gave her a gentle pat before heading into the village.

The streets were dead quiet. I whistled softly as I walked, more out of habit than anything.

"Not a soul around. Hopefully the same goes for those naked freaks," I muttered.

I spotted a building with its door hanging slightly open and headed toward it. No lights inside, which didn't surprise me. Not like electricity's a thing here. I think. Pretty sure.

I hummed to myself as I pulled out my phone again, the flashlight guiding me as I stepped inside. I headed for the cupboards and started opening them one by one.

Wood plates. Cups. Bowls.

No food.

I frowned, shutting them again. Winter is coming—if the air was anything to go by—and I didn't want to face it empty-handed.

I opened a jar. Sugar cubes.

"Well, at least one of us will appreciate these." I pocketed a few and kept searching through drawers until a sound from outside made me freeze.

My horse.

She was neighing again. Louder this time. Panicked.

I rushed to the doorway and looked out.