The Hope Barely Found

Smoll Lost Bean

She woke up coughing and spluttering on the river bank, half in the water, half out.

Based on how hungry she was, Eri figured she had been there at least a day. She quickly pushed herself up, shutting her eyes tightly as dizziness overwhelmed her, then forced herself onto the solid ground, teeth chattering.

Eri tried to stand up, only to collapse to the ground. It took two more tries before she was able to successfully stand, and another three to start walking.

Her scar on the corner of her forehead was aching, Eri's stomach growled, and she hugged her arms tightly from the cold. Her hair stuck to the side of her head, and Eri's clothes were fully soaked from the water. But she was alive.

Glancing around determined their was no real immediate danger, rather then the cold. It was one of the bad parts of town, that Izuku has taken her one of the few times she'd been aloud outside.

Everything was really bright, but not many people were out. It hurt Eri's eyes.

Izuku. Where was Izuku? Eri was positive he wouldn't be with their parents, she knew he only stayed around for her. But where did he have to go?

Eri started making her way towards the road. Right now, she would focus on finding a place to stay. Then, she'd figure out how to find Izuku.

Walking through all the stalls and beaten buildings, no one payed Eri any mind. It was easy for her to snag some clothes and a jacket from an abandoned clothes line, though they were a little big. Eri ended up abandoning her shoes, as they had been all but destroyed from the river.

She also snatched a sandwich and water from a nearby couple who had left their food to make-out. It didn't take long to reach a train, and really wasn't difficult for her to sneak in.

Eri didn't smile though, and didn't drop her guard, always looking around and listening. She didn't have a plan for now, but that was okay. Izuku had told her that. Izuku said she didn't always need a plan.

Eri's thoughts traveled back to Izuku. He must have seen her drop into the river, and think she was dead, or he would've found her by now. Eri knew that. So if he wasn't looking, how would she find him?

"Hey, where's your parents?" A tall boy with blonde hair asked Eri, after a couple hours.

She had noticed him get on, but he hadn't seemed suspicious so she hadn't payed him any mind. Now, Eri wished she had.

"Their waiting for me".

"So your riding alone?" The boy continued. "That's really cool, but aren't you a little young?"

"I'm not supposed to talk to strangers". Eri wondered if she would be able to hide if he decided to go after her.

"My apologies! Of course not! I'm Mirio," the boy laughed.

Eri stared at the broad smile that Mirio had. Why was he smiling at a stranger? Eri hadn't even helped him?

Eri tilted her head at him. "Do you want something?"

"Course not! I just wanted to make sure you were okay!"

"Why? You don't know me".

Mirio's smile faded a moment. "Well, it's just decent kindness, I think. I want to help people one day! And you seemed worried about something, I wanted to make sure you were okay".

Eri pursed her lips. "Okay". She didn't understand at all. When she found Izuku, Eri decided to ask him. Maybe he could explain this boys weird reasoning and actions.