The Expired

Chapter 15

Kira already was feeling like it was a bad idea to leave. Maybe she was too hasty on her decision. But she couldn't go back now. She had already made the commitment.

Kira groggily continued walking, constantly on guard about every noise she heard. It was early in the morning, with the sun just peaking over the horizon. Kira was weaving between trees, hidden in the cover of the forest as she made her way to the next town.

She started to make her way towards some houses, and instantly recognized it as the town of Bexley. Kira sighed, determined to quickly go through the town.

"Oh my," a lady said, quickly catching Kira's arm before she could make it any further.

"Hey!" Kira shouted, pulling her arm away.

A tall woman with short curly black hair stared at Kira with wide eyes. Kira wondered why, until she realized she was covered in dirt and her pants were torn in a few places when twigs caught them.

"Oh, I apologize," the woman said quickly. "I acted without thinking." She continued to look at Kira worried.

"It's fine. Now, I'll be on my way," Kira said, turning away.

"Wait!" The woman said. "Are you hungry?"

Kira stopped. It was true that she didn't have to eat, but that didn't mean she didn't like the taste of food. Plus, her stomach did go into small cramps when it was completely empty.

Kira looked at the woman warily. What if she was a demon, just trying to lure Kira away?

The woman smiled. "I was planning on making chicken tonight. I always make too much for myself."

Kira nodded, still slightly on edge.

"I'm Carol. What's your name?"

"Kira," Kira answered, following as Carol began to walk.

"That's a nice name," Carol said with a smile.

"Thanks," Kira shrugged. "Why are you inviting me anyway?"

"It looks like you could use a little help," Carol smiled. "I couldn't just let you continue to roam on an empty stomach."

"Well, thank you."

Kira followed as Carol walked up to a small house. She unlocked the door and Kira walked in behind her. It was small, but cozy. The living room led right into the kitchen with only a counter to separate it. There was a door that led to a bathroom and another that led to a bedroom. That was basically it.

Carol started to grab ingredients out of the fridge and cupboards.

"Need any help?" Kira asked, sitting on a stool that looked into the kitchen from the counter.

"Nope! Just leave it to me!" Carol smiled. "Make yourself at home."

Kira smiled and swirled on the stool, looking around. Pictures were everywhere. Most of them contained a little girl with black pigtails.

"Is that your daughter?" Kira asked. "Where is she?"

Carol smiled sadly. "She died about two years ago."

"Oh, I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have asked," Kira said, instantly regretting making the comment.

"Oh, don't worry about it," Carol said. "The best way to keep her memory alive is to talk about her, right? I like telling stories about her."

"If you want, I'll listen to the stories," Kira smiled.

Carol smiled. "Aren't you sweet? Well, okay, since you offered."