A Twisted World

People

"Where exactly are we going?" I ask as I watch the city fade into trees

"It's a surprise!" Finn reminds me

I fiddle with the hemline of my shorts.

"So what do you like to do?" He asks

I look up. What exactly do I like? I can't make myself sound boring, or I might lose him. But I don't want to lie any more than I have to.

"I play with my cat and I read." I tell him

"What's her name?"

"Jinx." I say

"What kind of books do you like to read?" He presses on

I think for a moment before answering: "Post-apocalyptic."

"That's cool. I'm more of a murder mystery fan." He responds

"Do you do much besides work?" I ask

"Yeah, I hang out with my family and friends. You got any family?"

"Mh-hmm! My parents, an older sister, and a twin brother." I say

I don't tell him my parents are in Cochlea...

"A twin brother! Is he as attractive as you?" He smiles over at me

"What, are you gay or something?" I say, trying to hide my blush

His cheeks, though, turn a dark scarlet.

"N-no!" He says in a flustered tone. "I was trying to compliment you!"

"It's okay, I'm just joking." I say as I gently rest my hand on top of his

"We're here!" He announces suddenly, slipping his hand away from mine

It was quick, quick enough to seem innocent, but I guess he doesn't like me touching him.

"I'll carry the picnic basket, of course!" Finn says as I stare at the daunting mountain

"We'll hike to a pretty rock pile I know of." He continues. "It's not very far, but it's just far enough."

We start walking along the trail. It's a pretty beaten down path, which I find reassuring. I don't want to get lost in here.

"Do you hike much?" Finn asks

Do I hike much? To collect bodies, we have to hike. I guess that makes it a yes.

"Yeah, my family and I usually hike a few times every month." I try to sound upbeat

"Oh cool! I usually bring my dog, Arriety. She loves exploring new places." He says

"Aw! What breed?" I ask

"Russian Samoyed. She's still a bit of a puppy, but she looks like a baby polar bear!" He smiles

"We need to take that path to get to the place." He points towards a narrower, less used path.

"Okay." I try to look calm

Brambles snake along the path, threatening to trip me into their thorny clutches. Wild berry bushes grow shiny fruit that drips with poison. Random twigs snap constantly, making it feel like someone's watch you.

I inch closer to Finn

But I have to admit, the wildlife here is gorgeous. Birds fly overhead, and deer jump over fallen trees. I've even seen small rabbits look for food.

"I have an aching suspicion you've brought me here to butcher me up." I grin as I poke him

Finn draws himself up to his full height.