Chalter 25: An unexpected discovery

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by Kolirath

by Kolirath

### Search for Hope - Chapter 8: An Unexpected Discovery

*Vernon leads me through the winding sewers, each step feeling heavier as I think about Clementine. The air is thick with the stench of decay, but all I care about is getting back to her, making sure she's safe.*

*When we finally reach the surface, I see the mansion looming ahead. Relief surges through me as I push open the door and step inside. My eyes dart around the room, but there's no sign of Clementine.*

*Before I can even call out, Carley spots me. In an instant, she's running toward me, her face a mix of worry and joy. The moment she reaches me, she leaps into my arms, and I catch her, pulling her close. Our lips meet in a kiss that's both desperate and relieved, as if we're trying to erase the fear of what could've been.*

Carley: *I was so worried... I thought...*

Ron: *I'm okay, Carley. But where's Clementine?*

*Her smile fades, and she glances around, realizing the same thing I have—Clem isn't here. A knot tightens in my stomach as I start asking around, my voice growing more urgent with each passing second.*

*Finally, I find Ben. The kid looks like he's about to crawl out of his skin under my glare.*

Ron: *Ben, where's Clementine?*

Ben: *Uh... i don't know Maybe in the backyard. I—she wanted to explore, and I thought it would be safe since we're all here, so...*

*Anger flares up in me, sharp and hot.*

Ron: *You left her by herself? She better be okay, Ben, or it's on you.*

*Ben's face goes pale, but I'm already moving, heading for the backyard. My heart is pounding, a mix of fear and anger fueling each step. I push open the door and step outside, the quiet yard only deepening my worry. I scan the area, and then I see the shed door, slightly ajar.*

*I rush over, yanking the door open, bracing myself for what I might find. But instead, there she is—Clementine, her face lighting up when she sees me. She runs to me, wrapping her arms around my waist in a tight hug.*

Clementine: *Ron! You're okay! I was so worried!*

*I kneel down, pulling her close, my anger melting away in the warmth of her embrace.*

Ron: *I'm fine, Clem. I'm fine. What were you doing out here by yourself?*

*Clem pulls back slightly, her eyes sparkling with excitement.*

Clementine: *I was exploring the shed, and... I found something. Come look!*

*She takes my hand and leads me deeper into the shed. There, hidden away in the shadows, is something that makes my breath catch—a boat, real and intact.*

*I stare at the boat, hardly believing it, then look down at Clementine, a grin spreading across my face.*

Ron: *You did good, Clem. Real good.*

*For the first time in what feels like forever, hope flickers to life in my chest. We might just have a way out after all.*