Everything That Drowns Me

Chapter 27

*Eliza's POV*

For weeks Toby and I had searched through towns and neighborhoods, barely getting by with the little money i had brought with me. He would have to take off his head gear and go in stores by himself to pick up necessities. He was strong for his age. He told me about his life and all he had to go through. It angered me that someone could treat him like that, but I suppose we've all had our scars.

We always made our way back to the old shack at night. In some ways, i wished that slender would've found us, but at the same time, i'm glad they waited. It made things so much better. All good things to those who wait.

Toby was always happy to do things for me. He seemed like a little brother, even. Winter was here and it made me sad to see Toby shivering every night. Something had to be done. I made my way through town one night. There was a faint layer of snow on the ground and I knew Toby was still at the shack at the moment, probably struggling with keeping the fire going. I quickly rushed over to an old run down convenient store and found an old newspaper bin. Grabbing a few, I stuffed them in my pocket and left. 

I still had to find something warm for him. I couldn't let anything happen to him, although that seems to be what happens to everyone I love. Thinking this just made me walk faster. 

After about thirty minutes, I stumbled upon a Goodwill, closed for the night. I grinned and pick-locked the door with ease. Inside it was cold, but not as cold as outside. I did some brief scanning and found what I was looking for. Rushing over to the coats, i found a cozy-looking one that looked about his size. I quickly ran out and back into the forest.

Nearing the shack, I got worried. I didn't see the light of the fire.

"T-Toby?" I called out.

No reply.

"Toby!" I called louder. 

I quickly ran to the shack, tears beginning to form. He was lying inside, ice cold. I quickly shook him and he stared up at me, shaking. I let out a sigh of relief. He was still alive...

But just barely. 

I quickly wrapped the jacket around him and picked him up. I ran for town as he tried objecting.

"E-Eliza! No! W-W-We have plan!"

"N-No, we don't. I do... Y-You need a hospital."

I ran for the hospital as fast as I could, trying not to slip on the ice and snow. Getting to the doors, I burst through, looking around frantically.

"Someone help! M-My brother, he's-"

A nurse came up quickly and her eyes widened. She quickly took him away and out him on a stretcher, running him somewhere else. A woman at the desk looked up and her eyes grew wide.

"It's you!" She shouted, standing up and picking up the phone. I panicked and ran.

I just hoped Toby would be ok.