Crumbling Dreams Part One

Shattered Reflexion

The night pressed in around them, enveloping Ivy, Edith, and Juliet in a cloak of darkness as they navigated the labyrinthine trails of the deep forest. Moonlight filtered through the dense canopy above, casting elongated shadows that danced along the forest floor, their movements obscured by the thick undergrowth.

Edith led the way, her figure a shadowy silhouette against the backdrop of twisted branches and gnarled roots. Her footsteps were sure and deliberate, a testament to her familiarity with the wilderness. Ivy followed close behind, her senses on high alert as she scanned the surrounding darkness for any signs of danger.

Juliet brought up the rear with Noelle, her breath coming in shallow gasps as she struggled to keep pace with her companions. Her gaze flickered nervously from side to side, her mind racing with imagined threats lurking in the shadows.

As they pressed deeper into the forest, a sense of unease settled over the group, each rustle of leaves and snap of a twig sending a jolt of adrenaline coursing through their veins. They moved silently, communicating through subtle gestures and knowing glances as they sought to navigate the tangled maze of trees and underbrush.

In the distance, the faint sound of rushing water echoed through the stillness, serving as a beacon of hope amidst the oppressive darkness. Ivy paused, her head cocked to one side as she listened intently, a faint smile touching her lips as she recognized the familiar sound.

Edith glanced over her shoulder, her eyes meeting Ivy's in silent understanding. With renewed determination, they pressed on, guided by the promise of safety and sanctuary that lay just beyond the forest's edge.

Another person was amid the darkness, helped by the group, an anxious teen, shaking her head from side to side, analyzing the ground for hidden traps, her delicate blond curls rubbing against her cheeks as she turned her head.

"Mary, are you alright?" Juliet asked.

Mary nodded, not looking at Juliet behind her.

"We can take a break if you want, we're not lost," Noelle suggested.

"It's just that- I don't know what happened to Lexa... I don't want her to be dead, or lost, freezing in the woods..." Mary clenched her jaw, trying not to break down.

"Hey... We're going to find her." Juliet tried to reassure her.

"Why were you separated to begin with?" Noelle asked as they kept walking on the muddy terrain.

"We were together, but she heard a scream... She said it was a friend of hers so of good nature, she rushed there to help whoever that was, but as I tried to rush there with her, she screamed before vanishing in the woods... It was a scream of agony... I tried to find her, but I couldn't, so I sat there and cried until I found Aily." Mary explained.

"Mary, I... Have you considered that the Beast found her?" Noelle suggested.

"Noelle, don't you think we should stay optimistic?" Juliet scratched her temple.

"Cassidy fucking died in front of my eyes. I'd rather be realistic than delusional." Noelle scoffed.

"She died?!" Mary stopped in her tracks.

"Yes... But I'll hold my emotions for later, I need to stay strong so we can live." Noelle looked at her feet.

Mary falls into Noelle's arms, tears forming in their eyes.

"It was not just a friend though, it was your girlfriend. You can't hold these sentiments too long otherwise you'll feel guilty for not feeling anything after her death." Mary spoke with a hoarse voice.

"I can't, I can't be weak! I want to shield you from my sorrow so we can be strong together." Noelle looked straight in front of her, avoiding eye contact with Mary.