Kismet

Chapter Two - E

"Have you ever tried beans on toast? I traveled to the U.K. a while back, and it wasn't my cup of tea. Get it?" Raymond had been chatting with E for the mean time as they walked a long way to the so-called, 'easy way out' of the forest. Raymond had been striking up conversations left and right, and E was mostly shaking his head, nodding, or mumbling small answers with whatever confidence he had left in himself.

"I get that this might be awkward and all, with me always talking. It'd be better for both of us if you spoke more. Not that I'm forcing you, that is! I don't want you to feel so pressured." Raymond continued. 'I already feel tired', E had mumbled quietly."Huh?" Raymond hummed, raising a brow slightly.

"Nothing." E raised his voice slightly, so Raymond could hear him quickly."See? There you go! Some small talk is doing some good on you." Raymond claimed, now a bright smile on his face, rather than a gentle one. E had found it odd, how cheerful Raymond was; despite the fact he had to watch children get electrocuted from time to time.

"I have a question." E responded, his voice quiet but raised enough for Raymond to hear.

"What is it, little man?" Raymond responded, now curious.

"Why are you so energetic? I don't see the point in being happy right now." E asked, his tone blunt and slightly confused at the same time. Raymond's smile slightly faded, as he thought up of an excuse for just that one question.

"When is there a time to not be happy?" Raymond encouraged."When you're being electrocuted." E reminded. Raymond's smile was wiped off completely when E's words sunk in. He nodded gently, fidgeting slightly now awkwardly.

"That is . . . reasonable." Raymond concurred, his voice a mumble now. He examined E's expression in the awkward moment. He seemed a bit bored, possibly of the constant walking. "If you . . . want to take a small break from walking, we can camp out here for the night. To get our energy pumping, you know?" Raymond offered, his gentle smile coming back. E looked somewhere behind Raymond, before nodding his head once."Yes." E whispered, sighing slightly. Sometimes he wishes he stayed at the lab at this point, than be with a middle-aged man who doesn't seem to shut up.

"Okay then! I have a spot that isn't too far from here. I have a spare tent if you want privacy and stuff." Raymond stated, as he started walking another path; possibly the 'spot' he was talking about.

E followed, sometimes needing to jog just to catch up.

***

Delete Created with Sketch.

Cold was the only thing that could describe E's temperature. It was highly possible that his body temperature could be under ninety-seven degrees Fahrenheit; given how cold it was outside.

E had his own tent, only a small lantern, a stiff pillow and a thin blanket. It's better than nothing, E reminded himself.

Raymond's tent was close, and it was obvious that he was having a better sleep than E.

He stirred slightly, listening to the cicadas buzzing and the insects chirping like there's no tomorrow. There might not be a tomorrow for E, given the circumstances. He could get hypothermia, for all he cares now. It could be a miracle that he survives the night in this cold.

But from the lack of sleep, exhaustion from walking, hunger, and thirst; it quickly gave E the advantage for getting at least eight hours of sleep.

His eyes drooped closed, and his breathing slowed, as he drifted into a deep sleep.