•The Curse•

ch. 25

No ones POV

With those final words, the conversation seems to come to a close. The group nods in appreciation, grateful for his unexpected kindness.

Craig: "Thank you. We'll remember what you said."

Tweek pipes up, his voice a bit shaky but sincere.

Tweek: "Yeah, we won't forget this. Thanks for everything."

The shopkeeper waves them off, his tone a mix of gruffness and concern.

Shopkeeper: "Just get going before someone comes in and starts asking questions. And take care of yourselves."

With that, the group nods a final farewell and quickly exits the store. As soon as the door closes behind them, the bell jingles once more, signaling their departure. They step outside and are greeted by the bright desert sun.

For a moment, they just stand there in silence, taking a moment to absorb what just transpired. They had come to town for supplies but had ended up with much more. The shopkeeper's words echo in their minds, and they exchange glances, knowing that they have more to consider than just clothes.

Molly: "Oh shit I forgot to pay the man. I'll be right back. You guys can go back to the carriage!"

After Molly said that , she pulled out a bag of coins out of her pocket and then ran back into the shop.

The two watch her go, surprised by her sudden realization. They nod and decide to head back towards the carriage, as Molly had suggested.

As they walk back to the carriage, they can't help but wonder how Molly's conversation with the shopkeeper will go. The town seems quiet, and most people they pass glance at them only in passing, seemingly uninterested in the two disguised teenagers.

They reach the carriage and the horse standing next to it, tied to a nearby hitch. The animal flicks its ears at their approach but mostly ignores them. Craig and Tweek take this opportunity to rest.

Craig: "Damn, today's been quite a day, huh?"

Tweek: "Mhm."

There's a pause, and Craig looks over at Tweek.

Craig: "You're unusually quiet today."

Tweek: "Just tired thats all."

Craig nods in understanding, a hint of concern in his eyes.

Craig: "Yeah, I get that. Running from the law isn't exactly a relaxing vacation."

Tweek doesn't respond, his gaze fixed on the ground. Craig studies him for a moment before speaking again.

Craig: "You sure everything's okay? You seem...I don't know... distracted."

Tweek looks up at Craig, and then replies back.

Tweek: "I'm fine. Just... thinking about everything that's happening, I guess."

Craig nods in understanding, his expression sympathetic.

Craig: "I get it. It's a lot to process, isn't it? Being on the run, disguising ourselves, the risk of being caught..."

Tweek lets out a slow exhale, his voice barely above a whisper.

Tweek: "It's just...it's a lot to deal with. And I keep wondering...what if we get caught? What, then?"

Craig's eyes soften as he hears the anxiety in Tweek's voice. He reaches out and puts a comforting hand on his shoulder.

Craig: "Hey, we're going to be okay. We've made it this far, haven't we?"

Tweek looks at Craig, some of the fear in his eyes fading a bit and then smiles a bit.