Passages

Chapter 3

It was the next day, and Baylee woke up in a bad mood. Something was bringing her down.

They had breakfast and continued walking. Baylee looked down.

She was looking down throughout the whole path.

"Why so sad?" Lilac asked.

"No idea. Just sad about how this turned out. I feel like this shouldn't have ended like this."

"This is not the end. It's just a hard stage of our lives. I know what it feels like when you don't see what goes next. But the results are completely unexpected- and mostly nice."

Baylee nodded.

"I just feel like nobody. The war has ruined my identity."

"So make up a new one. Slowly, gradually, start rebuilding yourself. Start with something you like and find a way to do it. I know it's hard in such conditions, but maybe you'll like drawing. Basically, find some distraction from your problems. Some... solace."

The girl nodded again and raced ahead, thinking about what she could do.

It wasn't drawing; she was awful at it.

Maybe she could simply watch people pass by through the telescope. They were all different, after all.

And she promised herself to try doing it in the evening, even though it didn't sound promising. But Baylee had heard that observing often gave ideas.

She had to rebuild herself.

But even a memory of Baylee's home brought emotional pain. She could never have a chance to see it again.

So instead, she started making up scenarios about her new life.

But a good, full, rich life didn't look likely right now.

There was pain in her legs again. She stood still for a second, just breathing.

Then she continued walking, driven by fear of being left behind.

If she was alone, she'd never find a way out.

So Baylee kept walking. The pain struck her over and over, but she convinced herself that there was just a bit left.