(Earlier version) Flowerborn Part 1: The Arena

Chapter 17: River.

'Enough about me. What about you? Do you have any siblings?'

I shook my head. 'Not anymore. My little brother died when he was three. That's why I came here. I didn't want that to happen again with either me or my mom.'
I looked down. 'I don't really want to talk about me.'
He smiled: 'I will respect that.'

We stayed silent for a while.
'Hey Lucille? Can I ask you to do something?'
I was glad that I could help, because River seemed very nice. 'Yes sure.'

He looked down. 'Please forgive Toby.'

'What?'

'Well you don't have to forgive him, but don't hate him for what he did. I am sure he has a reason for it. We haven't told you all, but we went to the same highschool. The truth is, we have been friends for a lot longer than that. I do not believe such a kind soul can harm anyone for no reason. I trust him and so should you.'

I looked at Toby, who was laying on the hardened and frozen ground gasping and shivering. To be honest, I kind of felt bad for him. I already felt guilty for not interrupting, but he must feel so much more terrible. 'I will try.'

-

It was already the third day. We tried to keep walking, but getting through the snow was more difficult than we thought. It also did not help that some of us were wearing shorts and thin coats. I slowly felt the snow and cold getting to me, freezing my blood and bones. But we could nver stop walking, because if we did we maybe would not be able to get up again. Luckily we didn't meet another group. It was still another two days, but we were already out of water and food. Even Toby and Anna, our strongest, were having some trouble with walking. Especially Toby who was holding River

It was Toby who first said something about our situation. 'River is still bleeding, and all the bandages are soaked in snow and blood already. Besides we do not have any food or water left. We should go to a dot on the map, and wait for a supply drop.' Anna was about to make a rude comment, but changed her mind. 'Yes we should.'

James looked at the map. 'It is a big risk, it is another half day. There is a big chance the dogs will catch up.' He folded the map again and dropped it into his backpack. 'But I still think we should do it.' Without waiting for an answer he started walking, pointing his finger: 'This way.'