And Just A Touch of Death

Part IX

9:06 pm

"Alright, alright." Winter said through her laughter. Robin had just finished telling her a hilarious story from his childhood involving a fight between him and sister and a bag of cotton candy. "I've got a question for you."

They had just left the movie theatre a few minutes ago. They had picked an action comedy movie that was so bad they spent the entire time exchanging commentary about how bad it was. Winter found trashing the movie and the bad acting and obvious plot holes was more fun than actually watching the movie.

Robin rolled his shoulders. They had been carrying their backpacks all day, and both of their backs and shoulders were starting to hurt. "Hit me."

They were currently walking along the perimeter of the city park. It was completely empty, except for the occasional nighttime jogger. The playground and all of the sport courts were deserted. It was dark out, but every few yards there were light-posts, casting a yellow glow onto their faces as they walked.

"If you were going to run away, where would you go?" Winter asked.

Robin gazed upwards at the stars. "Hm, that's a good one." He chewed on his bottom lip for a second. "I'd have to say...Hawaii?"

Winter snorted. "Everybody always says Hawaii."

Robin shrugged his shoulders. "I've never been. Besides, year long sunny weather? Surfing? Beautiful, ocean views? What's not to love?"

Winter shook her head in mock disapproval. "I couldn't live in a place without seasons. I used to live in southern California for a few years and it was like living in Purgatory. Nothing ever changed. Everyday was the same."

Robin gave Winter a knowing look. "I know what that's like."

Before Winter could question what he meant, he asked, "So, where would you go?"

Winter gazed down at her sneakers. "Iceland."

Robin made a choking sound. "Iceland?"

Winter nodded. "I love the cold-"

"-Fitting for someone named Winter-"

"-it's absolutely gorgeous and apparently its, like, the safest place on Earth. There's barely any crime committed there."

Robin chuckled. "Yeah, cause like five people live there."

Winter couldn't help but grin. "Make it six, then."

Robin rolled his eyes.

"So, if I ever go missing, just assume I've taken off to Iceland."

"How do I know you haven't been murdered instead?"

Winter shrugged. "I'll leave a note."

"You've got it all figured out." Robin said. "I'd just jump on a plane and leave. Although, how'd I afford a flight to Hawaii is a mystery entirely."

Winter laughed. "You wouldn't leave a note?"

Robin gave her a simple, one shoulder shrug. "I don't have anyone to write too."

The corners of Winter's mouth turned downwards. "You'd at least have to write to me, right?" She poked his side. "Or else I'll definitely think you've been murdered by some psycho."

Robin smiled. "Dually noted."

They approached a park bench and Winter took the opportunity to sit. She slung her backpack off of her shoulders and let it rest on the ground by her legs. Robin did the same, sitting next to her.