It was quiet as they traveled. Way too quiet for Ryan to feel comfortable. Ryan didn’t know why but he almost felt like everyone was judging him. Katty, Thomas, and even Willow. It wasn’t his fault, right? He didn’t cause Brand’s death…

Yet, Ryan knew that wasn’t true. It was him. Ryan was just too slow, too stupid, and too ignorant in this new world. His hesitation cost Brand his own life in return for his mistake. However, what shocked Ryan the most, was how upset Willow was over the loss of Brand. Was there a connection? How close was Willow to Brand? Did she blame him?

Ryan shook his head at the silly thought, of course, she blamed him. The look on her face when Ryan told her about Brand said it all. How she was acting right now was a clear sign. Shit, Ryan wouldn’t be more shocked if she decided to kick him out of the group right here and now. Or maybe she was planning on something else? Ryan shudder at the thought of Willow getting revenge for Brand. He looked at their leader walking ahead of the group, and as much as he tried, he couldn’t gauge her emotions. Willow was a closed book, as she didn’t even glance back at Ryan or the others. Instead, she headed forward, always moving and not stopping for a moment.

Feeling bad Ryan tried to think of what to say. Something like, “Sorry for getting Brand killed?” Or maybe it should be more like, “Thank goodness most of us made it out…” Ryan had a feeling neither of those would go well with anyone. So instead of talking, Ryan took the other route, silence. He followed after Willow as she set the pace. Jogging and running after her as she didn’t break her pace for a second. Ryan felt like he was lagging behind everyone, and just as he was going to collapse, he heard the praised holy word come from Willow, “Break.”

Ryan sighed in relief as he stopped to recover from the constant running they were doing. The non stop hiding and running out of sight were taking a toll on him as he wasn’t accustomed to the constant physical activity of surviving. Sitting down, Ryan tried to catch his breath from the dashing they just did the past hour or so from one shadow to another. Ryan didn’t even notice someone sitting next to him till they spoke to him. Willow let out a soft sigh, “How are you doing.”

It was so soft of a sound that Ryan nearly thought he imagined it as he turned to look at Willow, “What? Did you just ask…”

Willow gave him a dull stare, “How you are doing, yes. Do I need to worry about you,” Willow asked looking over at Ryan.

Ryan was confused at the question, “What do you mean?”

Willow shrugged but never broke eye contact with Ryan. “I sometimes forget that you’re new, not just to us, but all of it,” Willow said, still looking on at Ryan as to measure his reaction. “A lot has happened, I’m just making sure you’re okay.”

Ryan was confused, but it started to make more sense as he thought it over. Willow was just making sure he wouldn’t weigh them down. For him to become a straggler that would be a hindrance to them.

“Uh, no. No, I should be fine,” Ryan spoke, trying not to show any signs of weakness that would make them abandon him here.

Willow looked at Ryan longer, “You sure?”

Ryan slowly nodded, “Yeah. Nothing to worry about. I’m fine.”

Willow finally broke eye contact with Ryan and sighed again. It felt like forever before she spoke, “You know he had a family.”

Ryan felt his blood freeze. Those words hit harder than Ryan expected. He never suspected that of Brand, but he knew Willow wasn’t lying. He never even considered that even a possibility of the man. Slowly Ryan muttered, “What?”

Willow was trying to compose herself as she finally nodded and looked down at the ground. ‘Yeah, Brand had a family.” Ryan felt his tongue die in his mouth as he listened to Willow continue. “Kids and a wife.” Ryan tried not to show his emotions but it was impossible as it hit him harder the more Willow went on, “They didn’t make it. Brand was a horrible mess after that incident. Hardly ever spoke again. For some reason, I don’t know why but he was close to me. Maybe he saw me as a daughter, I hope, because,” Willow inhaled deeply as she steady herself for what she was gonna say. “He was like a dad to me. Something I hadn't had in a LONG time.”

Ryan gulped as he realized he did more damage than he thought. Brand was more than just someone in the party. He was a father figure for Willow. He was sure any second now she would be strangling him to death. Ryan had to force himself not to try and put some distance between each other. “I… I didn’t know-”

Willow let out a scoff, “No shit. Of course you didn’t know, that’s not the point. What I’m saying is, well… we lose people. People that are close to us, people we care about.” Willow told Ryan while looking at him. “Maybe family, maybe a friend, or lover,” Willow took another breath as she looked away. Ryan saw Willow dwell on some possible memories as she was silent for a few moments. Ryan could tell she was visualizing what he could only assume were the others that weren’t here anymore. Finally, Willow came back to her old self just as Ryan looked back at her. “You can’t let it weigh you down, not right now.” Willow pushed her fist towards Ryan’s shoulder giving him a soft but firm punch. “Just, stay positive.”

Ryan didn’t know how to take that speech. Stay positive…? That was some fucking hippy bullshit. How was he supposed to stay positive?! After everything he just learned and then some, there was no way he didn’t feel even more shitty-

A fist jabbed at the same spot as before breaking his thoughts. It was just hard enough that Ryan thought he might have a bruise now.

“Hey,” Willow frowned at Ryan, “I said to stay positive. If you can’t do it for me then you at least owe it to Brand.” The frown slowly disappeared as Willow went on, “We lost enough today, I don’t want to lose anyone else.”

The concern on her face hit Ryan harder than he thought. She did care. This was the first time Ryan saw the worry on Willow’s face. It wasn’t a glare or a scowl but genuine worry. An emotion that Ryan wasn’t used to seeing on her. Just before Ryan could speak, Willow stood up. Ryan watched Willow hold out her hand to help him up. Ryan took it.

“We good,” Willow asked Ryan.

Ryan nodded, feeling a little more at ease now. “Yeah,” Ryan said now, feeling a little better ever since this morning.

Willow seemed to take his word on it. “Good.” Then in a flash, Willow’s curt personality came back, “Now stop slacking, we got a long way to go, and I don’t want to turn around and see you lagging behind again.” With that Willow parted from Ryan and went to grab her gear and Brand’s bag.

Ryan was left standing there unsure of what he just heard. One moment they were actually talking, and the next she went back to that serious persona. Willow was telling the others the break was over. It didn’t take long for Willow to set the pace that Thomas and Katty easily matched. It was now that Ryan recalled how exhausted he was and groaned at his lack of physical activities in his younger years. To be fair he never expected to shrink either but here he was.

Not sure how long he could keep up, Ryan raced after them.  What Willow told him seemed to help him focus more on running after them.  He just wished she gave him a longer break…

Emily checked her phone once work was over. She wasn’t sure what she was expecting, a massage or maybe a call from someone, but her phone was empty. It was something she figured, but still, she had a small piece of hope that she would be wrong. However, Emily was forced to look at the home screen on her phone, an image of Ryan and her taking a selfie at an amusement park. Probably one of her favorite memories with him.  It would probably be the last time they ever go to an amusement park again.

Putting the phone to sleep, Emily walked toward her car. It was starting to get late and the papers from classes were all graded and done for the day. Emily could have gone home with them, but it was too lonely there. Mary barely stayed home ever since Ryan disappeared, and without Ryan, the apartment was so quiet and bare. At least at the school, there were some fellow teachers or students that hung around a little while longer.  They helped Emily feel less lonely, with a side of distraction to her grading.  However, with no food at the school, Emily had to eventually head home.

The drive back to the apartment was just as bad as Emily recalled this morning. Even with music or a radio talk show playing, it just felt so hollow. She couldn't help but wonder what Ryan was doing right now or where he was. Still dwelling on the fact that Ryan was missing, she tried to recall through her memories when he was a shrinky or was normal-sized, did he give any hints of where he would go? That Safe whatever, that Kayla and Kristy were talking about was the only thing that made sense for Ryan to go to. However, how she was gonna find it was just beyond her.

Emily was so distracted in her thoughts, that she wasn’t even looking at her door. It wasn’t till she got to the front door to open it that she spotted something by her foot. Emily glanced down and saw a shocking sight. The little door was open. Someone used it!

Feeling a sudden surge of hope and relief, Emily fiddled with her keys as she unlocked the door. Swinging it open Emily flipped on some lights, “RYAN?!”

Emily only heard silence as she stepped into the seemingly empty apartment. “Ryan, are you back?” Emily called out. Each silent heartbeat gave her a dull sinking feeling. There was no answer. “Ryan,” Emily tried again as she closed the door behind her. Emily was looking around on the ground level to see where, hopefully, Ryan was. Emily started to head toward the bedroom to see if maybe Ryan was in the bathroom or sleeping, but something made a noise on the counter. Emily quickly looked over and saw a fork still clattering on the marble surface. It was Emily’s breakfast fork, one that she was sure she left over by the sink, however it was now all the way over by the fruit basket, something she hardly ever touched. It was clear the fork was propped up against the basket, but now it seemed to have been knocked over.

“Ryan,” Emily called out again heading toward the silverware still making noise as it settled down. Emily wasn’t sure if it was Ryan or not, why wasn’t he answering? 

Oh right, he didn’t have his communicator on and she didn’t have her earpiece in. Such simple things that she casually forgot about. It was so hard for her to get used to this kind of stuff. Emily made her way toward the kitchen to see if Ryan was near the fruit basket. By the time she came around the corner, she didn’t see anyone. “Ryan,” Emily called out, “I’m not sure what’s going on, but are you mad? You don’t have to hide, if that’s what you're doing,” Emily said, feeling a little uneasy with the silence. Why wasn’t he showing himself? Still calling out for Ryan, she looked around on the countertop, there wasn’t any way he could have gotten down without her seeing him. It wasn’t till Emily picked up the fork that she noticed an apple in the basket moving slightly. Something was in the basket.

Not sure if she was getting upset about him hiding or maybe it was the joy of finding Ryan she quickly picked up the apple and removed it from the basket. “RYA-”

Emily’s words died as she spotted someone else in the fruit bowl, and it wasn’t Ryan. The not Ryan, was hunched down as best as he could trying to hide behind nothing now. Emily felt her emotions dip at the sight of the stranger. “You’re not Ryan,” Emily exclaimed disappointedly in the fact that her boyfriend wasn’t back.

The person didn’t move but continued to cower, holding up their hands and arms to try and shield themselves from Emily.

Emily felt depressed however after a few moments her attention came back to the fact that there was someone breaking into her home.  Narrowing her eyes at the shrinky she spoke with a warning in her voice, “Who are you and what are you doing in my home?”

There was just silence. Emily was just about to say it louder and more forceful when she noticed how scared the little ball of a person was. Calming down Emily slowly lowered her hand into the basket and scooped up the shrinky carefully. It was clear that he was terrified now as he lay in Emily’s palm. Emily continued to hold the shrinky and as the minutes passed by the shrinky was slowly calming down more seeing as nothing was happening.  Emily waited till his hands and arms came away from his face before she actually saw the person.  She quickly realized it was just a boy, and couldn't have been older than eighteen or so. He looked starving and possibly dehydrated. The look he had on his face stung Emily as he looked petrified of her.

“It’s okay,” Emily softly spoke, “you look hungry and probably thirsty. Do you want something to drink and eat?”

The teenager didn’t respond, he only continued to wearily look at her or quick glance around.

Taking his hungry gaze and partial dry-looking face, Emily went ahead and decided for the shrinky, “Let me get you some water.” Emily slowly lowered her hand and the shrinky tried to leave her palm but seemed to think about it. Did he think it was a trap or trick? The hesitation in his actions worried Emily. “Here,” Emily spoke, using her other hand to help pick him up off her hand and setting him down on the countertop. With him out of her hand, she could easily get some water for him. Grabbing some of Ryan’s small cups she was able to get the worn-out-looking shrinky some water. As he took the large “bowl” like object from Emily, she proceeded to place the apple she took out of the fruit bowl and set it on a plate. Slicing a chunk out of it, she cut a small slice and handed it to the shrinky. He looked very confused but took it anyway.

After the tiny boy ate some apple and drank some water Emily proceeded to lean into the counter and rest her head on her propped-up hands. She waited till he was done chewing and finally spoke in a more gentle tone, “So… what’s your name?”

Emily waited a few moments and saw the small lips move, but no sound reached her ears. “Sorry, I didn’t catch that.”

Again the lips moved and this time some words hit her ears, “Sa…”

Emily frowned at hardly picking up much sound, “Hmmm, this is gonna be difficult-”

Emily stood up and snapped her fingers and pointed at the shrinky who nearly fell over at her sudden burst in movement. “I know!” Emily headed into the bedroom and grabbed her earpiece and quickly grabbed one of the spare communicators that they still had after Ryan’s broke at school. Emily mentally thanked herself for buying more than one communicator in case Ryan got his broken again. As Emily returned she noticed the shrinky looking skeptical as she approached. Slowing down her delighted walk, so as not to freak him out too much, Emily opened her hand and showed off the small collar-looking object. Emily put her earpiece in and already had it synced up, “Here you go… just put it on your neck…” Emily instructed.

The shrinky slowly put it on, still, he looked very cautious about it. Emily wasn’t sure if he ever saw a communicator or if he thought it was going to be some trick. Once it was put on, Emily finally said, “Okay now let’s try this again.” She leaned in, maybe closer this time as she folded her arms on the counter and leaned forward to rest her chin on her folded hands. “What’s your name, little guy?”

“Sh-shawn.”

“Hi Shawn,” Emily greeted smiling, “I’m Emily…” There was a silent pause as Emily waited for Shawn to greet her, but he seemed silent. Seeing as he wasn’t speaking Emily went on trying to sound as non threatening as possible, “So, do you mind telling me why you’re in my home?”

“I… I was,” Emily could tell that Shawn was already panicking from her question.

“I’m not mad,” Emily quickly spoke, trying to get him to understand.

“I was hungry,” Shawn finished. “I s-saw the door… I thought there were others. Like me.”

Emily slowly nodded her head as she observed the late teenager who only calmed down a fraction of his frightened self. “I see. And,” Emily couldn’t help but ask, “Did you see anyone else? Maybe someone called Ryan,” Emily pushed the question at him hoping among the slim chance that maybe they crossed paths.

Shawn slowly shook his head, “n-no. No one was he-here.”

Emily felt her body slowly slacken at the news. She could already feel the smile she was giving Shawn start to dip. It was now that Shawn started to panic at her sudden change in mood. “No no no, wait,” Emily said before the boy could freak out anymore. “Sorry. I just, I’ve been looking for someone. His name is Ryan. He used to, well he does live here, but I think he ran away or something happened to him. I just don’t know right now, and…” Emily let out a deep sigh. The simple gust of air tugged a little at Shawn’s hair and clothes, “Oh,” Emily quickly blurted out seeing her puff of air rustle him. “Sorry… I’m not very good at this whole shrinky thing.” Emily confessed, almost repeating the same mistake as before, letting out another disappointed sigh that would have hit Shawn.  This time, she exhaled upwards instead.

Shawn looked a little bristled by the gust of air, but he didn’t seem as terrified as when she first found him. “Is…” Shawn asked, stopping as Emily lifted her eyebrows at his words. It took him a few seconds before going on, “Ryan, is he your brother?”

Emily couldn’t help but chuckle, “No. He’s my boyfriend.”

Shawn looked shocked, “You’re dating a shrinky?!”

“Well,” Emily said leaning back from the counter. Emily went to get some water, “He wasn’t a shrinky when we were dating beforehand.”

“Oh,” Shawn spoke into Emily’s ear as she poured some water for herself, “So he’s just living with you.” The statement caught Emily off guard.

Emily frowned at his words, “What do you mean?” Shawn seemed to rethink what he said before Emily could stop him. “No, you're not in trouble or anything, I just want to know what you meant by that.” Emily didn’t know why he was so jumpy around her, was she really that terrifying to someone his size?  Now that she thought about it, most of her students in the first few weeks acted the same way.

Shawn again seemed to be rethinking what he said but before Emily felt like she needed to coax more out of him or change the subject he spoke, “Just… the way you said it. Like being a shrinky changed things. Like he’s not your boyfriend.”

Emily gasped, “I didn’t say that.” Shawn flinched causing Emily to try and not act too dramatic, “I didn’t mean- is that what it sounded like?” Shawn nodded, causing Emily to gasp again, “Oh my god,” Emily muttered still holding her water but now looking at it. “I…” She continued to gaze at the cup trying to recall things she said or did. “I didn’t,” Emily tried to recall some conversations or words she might have used, maybe actions toward Ryan the past month or so. Is that what happened? Did Ryan think she didn’t see him as her boyfriend anymore? It was so ridiculous that Emily wanted to laugh. However it’s been a while since he caught Shrinkism and as much as she hated to say it, things had changed between them.

“All this time did I really,” Emily felt a sense of dread hit her as she felt like maybe she did push Ryan away to the point of leaving. That wasn’t what she wanted. It was the complete opposite of what Emily was trying to do with Ryan.

“Are you okay,” Shawn asked, sounding a little worried for her.

“Uh…” Emily said, still distracted, deep in her thoughts.  “I, I don’t know.”

There was a long moment of silence as Emily kept looking at her water recalling things over the past month with Ryan. Just little things like words she said or actions she might have done. Stuff that could have made Ryan think that she wanted to move on. She deliberately told him she was gonna stay with him, so what the hell?!

All these thoughts only help fuel Emily’s need to find Ryan and get the truth from him, even if it meant holding him upside down and shaking it out of him.

“Sorry,” Emily said before taking a sip of the much-needed cold water. “It’s been a rough week.”

“I know what you mean,” Shawn said, sounding equally exhausted.

Emily couldn’t help but smile. “Well after I shared my baggage, you want to do the same?”

“I… uh,” Shawn shrugged before going on. “Have Shrinkism.” Emily stifled a laugh at the obvious fact. Shawn chuckled, “As you can plainly see. I started shrinking a few weeks ago.”

“Do you live around here,” Emily asked, trying to recall seeing him in the apartment complex over the past few years she lived here with Ryan.

Shawn shook his head no, something Emily would have missed if he didn’t say “No.”

“So how did you end up here?” Emily asked before sipping some more water, finishing it off.

“I was going to school with my little brother. He’s a freshman at my school…” Shawn paused for a moment. Clearly, something happened.

Emily bent down closer to Shawn, “What? Did something happen?”

“I… I was never a good brother,” Shawn remarked. “I mean… I could have been a better brother, but I wasn’t. So… we were going to school, Nat was carrying me. And, I said something I shouldn't have and… well,” Shawn had to take a deep breath looking upset and torn, “That was it for him. He set me down and said I either get the hell away from him, or he was going to step on me…”

Emily gasped, “What?!”

“Like I said… I’m not the best big brother…” Shawn said, sounding more guilty than upset at his little brother’s threat. “Anyway, as you can see, I didn’t stick around. I ran to the closest place, your apartment complex. Snuck on an elevator when one of your neighbors took it to this floor, and I found one door with a shrinky size door and… well I hadn't eaten in a few days.”

At those words, Emily quickly realized his apple slice was gone, “OH! I can get you more,” Emily quickly blurted out, slicing another tiny-sized slice for him.

“Th-thanks,” Shawn said, accepting the food. He had a little more before going on, “I can’t blame Nat. I would have done worse if it was reversed…” Shawn held back a sniffle the best he could, but Emily could pick it up on her earpiece.

“I’m sorry,” Emily said, offering some comfort for the small teenager. “I can’t imagine what that must have been like. Or what you went through all alone for the last couple of days.” Emily had the deepest sympathy for Shawn’s predicament. “I… do you want me to take you home,” Emily asked, not sure if that’s the right call.

Shawn slowly shook his head no, “I...it was only a matter of time.” Shawn sniffed, “If not my brother then my mom or dad… I just, never thought I would be a shrinky!” It all started to come out as Shawn broke down. Emily did the only thing she could do, she helped get Shawn through the tears. Telling him it was okay. She gave him emotional and physical support as she picked him up and held him in her palms. It took a little while before Shawn was done weeping, and Emily couldn’t help but feel overly sympathetic for him.

“It’s okay,” Emily repeated till he was done. “It sounds like you don’t have anywhere to go,” Emily stated the very obvious fact. Shawn just shook his head. “That’s okay. If you want, I don’t mind if you stay here.”

Shawn was still recovering from his breakdown and sniffing, “What?”

Emily nodded, “Yeah, I don’t mind if you stay.” Emily held up her fingers to show a pinch, “I’d feel a smidge better if someone was home waiting for Ryan. So if you want to stay, I wouldn’t mind. I’m not sure if Ryan is coming back or if he drops by when I’m not around, but if you see him you could just tell him how I feel. If he ran away, let him know that it was a mistake or accident or…” Emily sighed before she stopped her rambling. “The point is, you can stay if you want.”

“You mean it?” Shawn asked.

Emily smiled, “Of course.”

Shawn for the first time smiled. “Thank you!” Emily smiled at the sincerity in that thank you. “But,” Shawn added real quick.

Emily looked confused, “What?”

“Uh… do you have a picture of Ryan?” Shawn laughed, “I don’t want to accidentally let a random shrinky in by mistake.”

Ryan felt his legs turn to heavy steel rods as he continued to run with everyone. He was so out of shape, it wasn’t even funny. Just as Ryan was gonna say something Katty beat him to it.

“Why are we still running,” Katty whined to Willow.

Ryan wasn’t gonna join in, but he was totally with Katty right now. It felt like all they had been doing all day was run. Run into the house, run through the house, run from that massive mutt, and then run away from the house. It was worse than doing two marathons back to back, and Ryan never even ran a single marathon before.

“Because,” Willow said, slowing down again to let the others catch up. “That was a dog back there.”

“No… shit…” Thomas panted as he was also having a problem keeping up with Willow’s pace. “That was … hours … ago…”

Willow rolled her eyes at Thomas, “That dog can get outside. There’s no telling whose,” Willow emphasized the word, “scent it picked up. All it takes is a few minutes for that thing to track that person down. An hour of running is less than a minute of walking for a dog.”

Ryan would have frowned if wasn’t so tired at that news. That was some very concerning news that all this effort they put into running away could be so easily erased by a pet’s leisure stroll. In fact, Ryan couldn’t help but glance behind them to check if they were being followed. Sure he couldn’t spot the home they had left, but he was looking more for a massive dog following them for another quick snack. Luckily Ryan didn’t see the horrible creature.

“Just-” Ryan wheezed as he tried to get his voice out there too. “A-” Ryan inhaled trying not to fall behind, “Second!”

Ryan wasn’t sure if what he said got through to Willow, but she slowed down and finally said, “Fine. We’ll take a quick breather. Don’t,” Willow looked directly at Ryan, “Wander off…”

Ryan almost collapsed on the ground, “Can’t even… if I wanted to…” Ryan moaned as he closed his eyes and tried to stop his pounding heart. Just trying to keep up with Willow was impossible for Ryan. He just didn’t have the stamina.

Ryan was too busy breathing to notice it. The sound of a vehicle, a school bus, pulled up to the side of the street. By the time Ryan turned his head toward the noise. Ryan could just make out the yellow paint to the side of the school bus, the large black wheels, and the glass door slowly swinging open. Even under the shrubbery that covered them, Ryan still worried they would be spotted. Maybe it was his fear or a combination of that and his tiredness, Ryan didn’t move a muscle. The sounds of shoes stepping off the school bus could be heard as a group of people were getting off.  Each thump of a foot landing on the descending steps grew louder as they got closer to the sidewalk Ryan was near.

Ryan looked over at the others who hadn’t moved, but he could tell that Willow was carefully observing the extra legs that were now stepping onto the sidewalk. Ryan could tell that they were all girls based on their shoes, legs, and voices as they chatted. Not sure how old, Ryan had to guess somewhere in middle school. Based on the time it was, it happened to be around that time when kids were done with school and would have headed home. All four sets of legs stood there on the sidewalk as the higher-pitched voice of kids chattering and laughing filled the air. Ryan slowly grew more at ease as none of them pointed him or the others out, which was probably almost impossible.

The strangers started to say goodbye, and two sets of legs walked off, toward the same direction that Ryan and the others came from. As they headed down the sidewalk, Ryan relaxed even more knowing that they were all going to leave them alone and head home very soon.

Both legs didn’t move after a few moments, still staying near Ryan’s bush covering hideout. Finally one of them spoke, “So? Did you get him?”

There was a loud popping of bubble gum as a mischievous giggle left the bubble popping girl. “Of course!  Was a piece of cake.”

“Let me see,” The first girl pleaded, sounding very happy and excited.

There was some rummaging but finally, there was a squeal from the first girl, “He’s so tiny!” Ryan slowly sat up. They had a shrinky with them? A bad feeling crept into Ryan’s body.  Not knowing why, Ryan felt a panic feeling rush through him.

“So why didn’t you want Stacy to see him,” the bubblegum girl asked. Again the sound of another bubble popping could be heard.

The first girl laughed, “Because, she’s got a mad crush on him. Isn’t that right Henry.” The cheerful sound in her voice did little to help Ryan’s mood as he didn’t like how those two were acting.

“Well, here you go,” Bubblegum girl said as Ryan could only assume that Henry was being handed to the other girl.

“You heading home,” the girl asked the bubblegum girl.

Another pop and a set of feet were starting to head toward the street. “Yeah, I have to study for my spelling test tomorrow.”

The legs of the other girl walked off out of Ryan’s sight and across the street heading to her home. That now just left one giantess left.

“Just you and me…” The voice spoke, sounding way more excited than Ryan wanted to hear. “I need to get home soon Henry, but I wanted to play a quick little game after school.” Ryan watched as a large hand reached down toward the sidewalk and dropped a small person on the hard concrete ground. Ryan couldn’t help but slowly stand up as he looked at the horrified Henry.  A sympathetic wave hit Ryan as memories of Peter from middle school came back.  Henry looked very similar and now Ryan felt even more worried.

Ryan took a slight step forward to the cowering Henry, “What’s going-”

Before Ryan could move Willow was already there looking at him. The look in her eyes told him not to. Willow was standing in between Ryan and the horrified Henry, who was busy looking up to see them way off to his side. Ryan looked at Willow for a moment and he saw her slowly shake her head. Her words were barely a whisper for Ryan to hear, “We can’t help him.”

He wanted to say something but reason came back to Ryan. How were they supposed to help? Anything they did would only get them noticed. Yet, Ryan wanted to try and at least do what he could. He had to at least try and save him, right?

“You just want to leave him out there,” Ryan asked, sounding disgusted at the idea. Suddenly he could already tell that her resolve was set and Willow wasn’t going to budge.

“We can’t save everyone,” Willow told Ryan. Words that she spoke earlier hit Ryan harder than he expected. So was that what she meant? Letting something like this happen, and not doing anything about it?

As Ryan was swallowing those facts, the giantess went on with her speech, “The game is soooo easy, it’s called hopscotch. Have you ever played before?” The question hung in the air and Ryan wasn’t sure if Henry replied or not. Either way, the girl went on, “I’m gonna skip over there,” She spoke, probably pointing somewhere, “and then I’m gonna skip back here. That gives you like ummm, I don’t know ten seconds or something to get out of the way.” There was an evilly delighted laugh that filled the air, “But I’ll let you know, I’m a fast skipper!”

Ryan looked past Willow and saw Henry still sitting there looking up those long terrifyingly large legs. If he was planning on running, it didn’t show. Instead, Ryan watched Henry try and say something and gesture at the girl.

“Sorry can’t hear you, but I’ll take that as you're ready,” The girl laughed again with humor that only she was feeling. “Alright!”

Ryan watched as both legs of the giantess vanished out of view before they came crashing down away from the Shrinky. The force of her feet slamming into the ground could be felt all the way from where Ryan and the others were at. The sound of the girl counting as she landed, “One.”

Sure enough, once one foot landed, the giantess was already propelling herself off the ground and skipping to another block of concrete. Landing with a loud thump and a “Two.” Ryan looked back at Henry who was just sitting there too shocked to move.

He couldn’t stop himself, Ryan shouted, “HEY! OVER HERE!!” The look from Willow and the others was of pure horror. “HEEEYY!!!” Ryan shouted again toward the shrinky. Willow was one step away from gut-punching him, but Katty already tackled Ryan and covered his mouth.

“Stop,” She whispered, terrified at what might happen. Thomas was already grabbing his legs to keep Ryan pinned. Ryan struggled but he was too tired to do anything but flail around. Ryan glanced past them and saw that Henry heard them. He was already standing up. Ryan watched as Henry quickly started to head toward them.

“Fuck,” Willow hissed. “God damn it,” She growled as it was clear Henry heard Ryan and was coming toward them.

However, the sound of the giantess saying Ten got everyone’s attention. Sure enough, she was about ten or so concrete slabs away. Ryan could already see her feet twisting around on the ground, making a grinding sound as she spun around and was going to head back.  Ryan muffled through Katty’s hands, “HURRY UP!” Ryan shouted.

The sounds of feet skipping filled the air as Henry continued to run toward everyone. Willow looked at the others, “We need to leave!”

Katty and Thomas quickly got off Ryan and ran to their bags as they were already preparing to leave. Ryan got up and quickly looked over at Henry who was doing everything he could, to run toward him.

“THREE,” Came the giantess's voice.

The thumping of her weight hitting the earth was enough to send another earthquake through the ground.  There was enough force to cause Henry to sway and lose his balance.

“TWO,” She sang out happily. The large legs were already in view as she built-up tension in her calves. Ryan looked back at Henry and back to those pink sketcher shoes. He wasn’t going to make it. Ryan saw the panic look on the shrinky as he struggled to get off the concrete block of death. However, it was all in vain. He just wasn’t fast enough.

“OOOONNNNEEEE!”

Ryan watched in horror as the legs vanished in the air for a split second. Then a shadow appeared under Henry as he was running. The black spot grew vastly as it eventually swallowed all of Henry and then more. The giant shoe came down, it was almost too fast for Ryan to comprehend. Just like Steven, one second Henry was there, the next he was gone. The sound of Henry being stomped on vanished under the subsonic sound of thumping. All of the schoolgirl’s weight came crashing down on that one central point, the sickening sound of crunching could be heard just under the sound of feet hitting the pavement.  Any hope Ryan had for the tiny was gone as the girl laughed standing in place of where Henry was. As if to make things worse, the giantess slowly started to twist in place. Grinding her sneaker over the concrete, the sounds of gravel, shoe, and something else being worn into each other filled Ryan’s ears.

“Told you I would make you a stain under my sneaker” The girl laughed again to herself. Humming a happy tune to herself, the cruel girl spun on her heel, smearing what was left of Henry some more as she turned around. Singing to herself, she started to skip away, like she didn’t just crush someone under her shoe.

Ryan didn’t want to look, so he turned away from the sidewalk, and what was effectively Henry’s grave.

It was only a few seconds, but suddenly someone was grabbing at Ryan. Willow grabbed Ryan by the shirt and yanked him to his feet, “What the fuck was that!” The furry on her face was enough to make most men cower in fear. But Ryan felt his rage finally come out. It was their fault Henry died. If they said something sooner, if they tried to help him, he would be alive.  Yet no one wanted to help the poor person.

“He almost fucking made it!” Ryan yelled, knocking Willow’s grip off him. “If someone,” Ryan said looking at Katty and Thomas and then back to Willow, “Said something SOONER! He wouldn’t have died!” Ryan pointed to the area Henry’s remains were. Ryan couldn’t look in that area, but he hoped his point was getting across.

Willow didn’t yell she just shook her head, “Wake the fuck up. He never was gonna make it. He was dead the minute those monsters got him.”

Ryan frowned, “He was less than-”

“She’s right,” Katty said, cutting Ryan off agreeing with Willow. “It doesn’t matter what she said,” Katty said referring to the giantess, “He wasn’t going to make it.”

“They never play fair, they never keep a promise, and they can never be trusted,” Willow said, bringing Ryan back to her. Willow shook her head, “You think she would have let him go? If he made it here, she would have just come looking for him. Then what? Now she found four shrinkies to play with instead of one… stop dreaming like the world isn’t how it is.”

Ryan didn’t know what to say as Willow was right. Heck, they were all right. He never really thought it through. Of all the times he watched others use or play with a shrinky, it never ended well for them. In the end, it was a cruel trick or game for the enjoyment of the larger ones. Why Ryan thought it would have been different, he didn’t know. Maybe he felt like he needed to repay Brand or save someone like his best friend Peter from middle school, just trying to save someone to be a hero or something…

Whatever the reason, Ryan felt like he might have learned something important today.  

“We’ll rest here,” Willow spoke as she picked a spot that was along a tree line. With all the running they did today, Ryan knew he was gonna pass out the moment he laid down. They were almost out of the neighborhood, which to Ryan’s surprise, he thought it would take much longer at their size. No one had spoken since the school girl incident. There wasn’t much to say after such a scene.

“Katty set up our rations for tonight,” Willow ordered. “Thomas, collect something to use for a fire. We’re away from all the houses.” Willow turned to Ryan. “Can you start a fire,” She asked, sounding very skeptical. Ryan slowly shook his head. Just when Ryan thought she was gonna say something like “why the hell not” or “of course”, Willow slowly nodded, “Fine. See if you can find something to use as a fence. Sticks, plastic, whatever we can use.”

Ryan nodded, “Okay-”

“And don’t go too far,” Willow quickly added, like a mother would tell a child in a toy store.

Ryan wasn’t sure how far, too far was, but he figured he would find out soon when Willow yelled at him for going too far. Feeling like maybe Willow was underestimating him, Ryan couldn’t help but feel like he got the crappy job. Walking through the head tall grass, Ryan searched for anything they could use as a fortification. He found parts of a candy wrapper, God knows what that could do, but figured Willow would either use it or toss it. Setting the candy bar wrapper laying there, Ryan gathered it and looked for something more sturdy. However the more Ryan looked, the less useful things he found. Or maybe he didn’t know what he was looking for.  Everything was either too big or seemed more like trash than actual help

“This is fucking stupid…” Ryan grumbled as he picked up a dead blade of grass wondering if it was worth it to take back. As Ryan was pondering what anyone could use it for, he heard something behind him. Spinning around, Ryan got ready to meet his doom as he suspected some kind of creature was attacking. What Ryan saw shocked him in the dimming light, he saw another person approach him.

The stranger a few years younger than Ryan called out hesitantly, “Hello.”

Ryan was shocked and forgot how to speak as the person slowly approached Ryan.  “Uh, hey,” Ryan called out, getting the mans’ attention.

“Oh thank God!” The younger man said, sounding relieved, “I thought… never mind, it’s great that there’s someone else out here!”

Ryan heard how thankful and happy the guy was at finding him, “Uh, yeah. I mean, what? Are you out here by yourself?”

“Yes, well… I mean kind of…” The man came closer before pausing in front of Ryan. “Sorry, uh… I’m Marcus… “

“Ryan.” He held his hand out for a handshake that Marcus took.

“Are you out here by yourself,” Marcus asked, sounding worried.

“Uh… no, actually there’s a couple of us,” Ryan told him.

“DO-” Marcus paused as he swallowed, “Do you have food? Maybe a little water?”

Ryan could see how desperate he was, “Yeah. Yeah, we got some, here let me take you back to our camp.”

“Thank god…” Marcus sighed.

As Ryan led Marcus back he couldn’t help but ask, “Are you by yourself? How long have you been out here?”

Marcus coughed, “Just me… and too long. It’s better than back there.”

Ryan didn’t ask where that was, he figured it had to have been worth running from.

“Well, don’t worry. We’re kind of all the same, I think. At least I am. Come on, let me show you to the rest of the group.”

Willow was trying to start a fire with the limited tools she had. It wasn’t easy and she found herself getting more fed up with it, with each failed spark to catch the dead grass sent another spark of rage through her.  After the uncountable attempt, she finally was greeted with a puff of gray smoke. Soon that smoke grew and Willow sat back in relief seeing the small flame grow on the kindling.

“Finally,” Willow sighed, making sure not to blow out the growing flame. Getting up, Willow looked around. Katty was sifting through the bags getting fresh servings of old food out, Thomas was returning with enough burnable material that they could have a warm fire tonight, and Ryan….

Willow closed her eyes, “Where is he,” She muttered to herself. He had been gone for far too long for collecting simple barrier material. Trying to stay cool, for it had been a rough day, Willow was about to go after Ryan, when there was some movement in the grass. Never so certain that it wasn’t something dangerous, Willow picked up a pebble the size of her fist and got ready to use it as a weapon. It wasn’t till she heard Ryan’s voice coming that she calmed down, however, there was something off… was he talking to himself or someone else?

Sure enough, out of the folds of foliage, Ryan was coming back without much more than some useful material and someone in tow. Willow's frown deepened as the stranger approached their make-shift camp. Someone she had no idea about, someone she didn’t know, and someone she didn’t trust.

“Ryan, I asked for fucking supplies, not,” Willow gave a hard look at the shocked newcomer, “THIS.”

Ryan looked confused, “What… what are you saying?”

Willow tried her best not to direct her anger and distrust toward Ryan but it was hard, “What I’m saying is,” Willow looked back at the startled person, “Who are you? And what do you want,” Willow didn’t waver in her tone around the stranger.

“I...uh, I’m Marcus,” he said, looking uncertain. “I … don’t have any food-”

“And?” Willow added quickly, cutting him off. “What’s that got to do with us?”

It was silent for a few moments before Ryan’s voice cut through the tension, “Willow, he’s starving. I… look we have plenty of food to-”

Willow glared back at Ryan who slowed down his speech but went on, “We can feed him, at least for tonight…”

Willow looked back at the stranger. She didn’t like him. Well… she didn’t like A LOT of people, but she definitely had some sour feelings toward him. If there was one thing that kept her alive for so long, it was her gut. Right now, it was telling her to worry about him. Willow was about to open her mouth and tell the person to fuck off, but someone spoke before she could get it out.

“I… I think we should help,” Katty meekly replied as she was already going to dish out more food for Marcus.

Willow was surprised by Katty’s remark. As she was about to comment Thomas’ jumped in too, “We could use another hand.”

It was now that Willow realized how much control she lost. What used to be just her in command, things seemed to shift already. It was less to follow her, and more of a group vote system. Now the single outsider, she watched the other three looking at her, waiting for her reaction. Part of Willow wanted to storm off, to tell them to go to hell for not listening. However, the other side of her knew that going around alone was more dangerous. Yet, Willow wasn’t going to trust some new person walking into their group. Especially if she wasn’t the one that found them.

Taking another glance over the person, she spotted the bag on his back. Not one to shy around the situation or looming question, Willow headed toward the stranger, “What’s in the bag.” She demanded.

As Willow reached for the bag on Marcus’ back Ryan was in the way, “Willow what the fuck?! What are you doing?”

Willow was already pushing him aside disregarding his question, “Give me the bag,” Willow demanded reaching for the small satchel. The man flinched and pulled away. Willow narrowed her eyes, “I said give me-”

Ryan was already pushing her away, “Stop! What are you doing?!”

“Get out of my way Ryan,” Willow growled, hating how much he was opposing her. “You have no idea-”

“He’s fucking alone,” Ryan barked back. “All by himself. Hungry… thirsty… I don't know what you’re thinking, but I promised I would give Marcus something to eat and drink.” The look that Ryan gave Willow was of complete disgust or maybe it was disappointment, she wasn’t sure but all she knew was that it kind of stung. “If you don’t want to share, fine… I’ll give him my supplies. Is that good enough for you,” Ryan asked with a bite to his voice.

Willow felt aghast, that wasn’t the issue, “That’s not-”

“He can have some of mine too,” Katty added, quickly taking Ryan’s side.

Willow spun on Katty. What was she saying?

“… I guess me too,” Thomas added, not sounding so friendly about the idea but still helping out.

“Wh-” Willow was now looking at everyone turning on her. “That’s-” Willow didn’t know how to process this. If Brand was here… That thought slammed into her emotional state, hitting her harder than she wanted before calming the feeling of loss. Realizing that none of them have been with her long enough, she had to spell it out for them. “He isn’t one of us,” Willow said, jabbing her finger at Marcus.

Ryan spoke up, “He’s a shrinky! Just like all of us,” Ryan said, gesturing to the others. “What are you talking about?”

Willow had enough, “Just show me the goddamn bag! Right fucking now,” Willow was done with this. She didn’t care anymore, if the others wanted to throw their lives away fine, she wasn’t taking any chances.

Just as Willow was going to push her way through Ryan, with force, Marcus finally spoke.

“O-okay,” he soon took his bag off. Walking past Ryan he gave his bag to Willow.

Still in the heat of the moment, Willow yanked the bag out of Marcus’ hands and opened it. It was mostly basic stuff, some scraps of clothing, no food or water. Some materials-

Willow touched something she feared to find. Pulling out a collar-looking object, a communicator, she held it up.

“I fucking knew it,” Willow growled turning on Marcus in an instant. As she approached the slime ball, she was moments away from attacking when Ryan again slipped between them keeping her from reaching the bastard behind him.

“Willow!” Ryan spoke, blocking her.

“Out of my way Ryan,” Willow said looking past him at the frightened Marcus. Ryan shouted out her name again causing her to look at him. She could see the confusion and worry about him. It was clear he had no idea why she was so upset. Of course… and the others were just as confused

Willow calmed down a smidge of a degree, before she jerked her hand with the communicator out at Marcus, “He’s a goddamn turny!”

“A… a what,” Ryan asked, blinking a few times.

“A fucking turny,” Willow shouted seeing that no one knew the term. Rolling her eyes Willow stabbed Marcus with her hatred, “He’s with the god damn monsters.  When we least expect it he’s gonna turn on us, he’s gonna sell us out with this!” Willow shook the collar like it was all the proof she needed.

“n-no that’s not true,” Marcus spoke, sounding horrified and scared. “I… I’m looking for my sister. We got separated a while ago… I thought if I saw her, maybe I could call out to her with it.”

As Willow was going to call bullshit Ryan spoke up, “He’s right. I’ve used a communicator before.  He’s just looking for his sister.”

“OH COME ON,” Willow called out. “Are you really buying that bullshit?”

Willow looked at Ryan, and she could tell… he did. Spinning to the other, Thomas and Katty seemed to also accept the new person for his word. “What?! No! Look I-” The more Willow tried to explain to the others, the less they seemed to listen.

“Willow, it’s been a long day. You’re tired. I get it. Just, calm down,” Ryan said, easing closer to her in a relaxing tone.

Maybe… maybe he was right. Was Willow overthinking this? She had just lost Brand, and been going for a while. Maybe she was over thinking-

“Fuck off,” Willow muttered as she dropped Marcus’ pack and communicator. She didn’t listen to Ryan calling for her as she walked away. There was no way she was going to let some fucking stranger make her doubt herself. She lived long enough on her gut instinct and it was screaming this was all wrong. Sadly she needed the others too much to force her hand on kicking Marcus out. Deciding to remove herself from the situation she sat away from everyone and started to eat her food.

It had been hours, and Willow still hadn’t joined in the conversation. She stayed out of it and away from the others as they chatted and grew closer and familiar with Marcus. Willow didn’t care, she felt in her gut that Marcus couldn’t be trusted, and she wouldn’t trust him till it went away, regardless of how long that would take. Willow kept one eye on him the whole time, and another out for impending danger. As relaxed as the others were, Willow wasn’t. She knew how horrible things could go when unprepared.

The fire was slowly burning down, and Willow knew it was time for some rest.  “I’ll take the first watch,” Willow called out letting the others know it was time. She didn’t care who was next to keep watch, she was too on guard right now to care. Instead, she got into a decent position to keep watch on any problems big or small. The others were already getting ready to call it a night, tucking in and getting some sleep. Willow made sure to eyeball Marcus as he pulled out a small little blanket he had and went to lay down for the night.

As the others went to sleep, Willow stayed up and kept her mind sharp while she kept watching. Sitting there listening to the night and looking for any-

“How’s it going,” Ryan’s voice startled Willow as she wasn’t even keeping tabs on him.

Willow muttered, “Jesus!  What are you doing?”

Ryan jumped back at her remark as she turned on him with a startled look. “Sorry,” Ryan apologized as he held up his hands, “Didn’t mean to scare you.”

Willow took a deep breath and rolled her eyes, “You didn’t.” She lied as she got back to sentry mode.  If Ryan could get the jump on Willow, she must have been more exhausted than she thought. “What do you want,” She grumbled.

“Uh, well just was checking in on you… you don’t seem so, uh, happy a little while ago.” Ryan remarked.

Willow rolled her eyes in the dark, “Why would I be happy? You let a fucking turny in our group.”

Ryan sighed, “He’s not so bad-”

Willow scoffed at Ryan’s judgment, “Not so bad…”

“What?” Ryan asked, not understanding. Of course he didn’t, Willow didn’t understand why she was even explaining it to him.

“You don’t understand,” Willow remarked, directing her words at Ryan. “You didn’t grow up out here, I did.  THIS is my life. I might sound like a bitch, but there’s a good reason why. It’s not US against THEM,” Willow remarked. She jabbed her finger at Ryan, It’s YOU against EVERYONE. Our food? That’s precious supplies we will need for ourselves. Sharing it to a stranger can get us killed,” Willow told Ryan. The words seemed to hit him as he started to realize, “I know you all hate me. I get it, but I’m not looking out for myself, I'm looking out for us. The more we have in our group taking food and supplies the less we have. Especially with people we can’t trust and just meet.”

Ryan looked confused, “Marcus-”

Willow beat Ryan to his words, “Is a shrinky? Come on…” Willow saw that her words weren’t hitting home and finally she let out a tired sigh. “Look, Ryan, I know it’s very new to you, but …. there are things you need to look out for than the larger threats. Just because he’s a shrinky doesn't make him an ally. They can be just as bad as those monsters. Trust me,” Willow spoke sincerely.

Ryan was silent as Willow left him with some advice. It wasn’t till now she felt that the night was getting late, “Maybe I should get some rest,” Willow muttered, already feeling the exhaustion starting to roll over her.

“I’ll… I’ll take watch,” Ryan offered.

“…...okay,” Willow finally spoke after a long pause.  Maybe those words should have worried Willow, but right now she felt like she could trust him. Willow started to head to her supplies for her sleeping gear when she paused. She turned toward Marcus and the others and then back to Ryan. “Just…. Please… keep an eye on him.”

Ryan slowly nodded, “I will.”

“I mean it.” Willow spoke trying not to pull up some memories, “You never know how desperate someone can get,” Willow whispered. She didn’t know if Ryan heard her or not. Instead, she headed to the further part of the camp and took her gear out to sleep. She was so tired that by the time she laid down she was already dreaming. Sadly they weren't happy dreams…

Willow was dreaming. She knew it because it was impossible for the man on top of her to be alive right now. She made sure of it a long time ago. However, it didn’t stop her from dreaming of that horrible night. The night that someone attacked her while she slept. It was blurry and horrifying. The man many years older than her forcing himself on her while she was defenseless was triggering for her. She fought like a demon but nothing helped as her limbs felt too soggy to react in time. Her body being shaken and jerked around.  Just as that man was going to proceed to rape Willow, she broke free and her hand went swing to break his jaw.

“FUCK!” Ryan shouted as Willow threw a punch out and clipped Ryan in the face.

“AHH,” Willow shouted, sitting up with her hands clenched for a fight and looking around. There wasn’t anyone but an injured Ryan holding his face where Willow punched him from her sleep. Willow panted for a few moments and quickly looked around again to assess the situation. Ryan and Willow were the only ones up and it didn’t look like Marcus did anything all night. Still confused Willow gasped, “What?”

A muttering Ryan holding his jaw grumbled, “It’s morning… fuck…” Ryan cursed again as he rubbed his face right where he was hit.

“Morning?” Willow repeatedly looked around and noticed he was right. The sun was starting to rise.

“You were having a bad dream… was trying to wake you up.” Ryan was explained still rubbing his jaw and moving his mouth to see if his teeth were loose from the hit.

“oh… I’m…” Willow started but wasn’t sure how to approach it. Finally after a pause I said the word, “sorry.” Ryan was still massaging his face, and Willow couldn’t help it as she got closer, “Let me see it.”

Ryan tried to wave her off, “It’s fine I just-”

“Oh shut up will you,” Willow told him in a kinder manner than what the words meant.  “Let me see,” as she took his hand away and looked at the slightly swollen mark. “Shit… I didn’t mean to hit you that hard.”

“It’s fine,” Ryan remarked

“It’s not,” Willow retorted. “I didn’t mean to hit you… just…” Willow tried to treat the injury as she paused her speech. Finally, she spoke after she made sure there wasn’t any permanent damage, “I have nightmares.”

Ryan looked at Willow and after a few minutes spoke, “Want to talk about it? If you want, that is.”

“Not really… it’s just things I should have done. People I shouldn't have trusted.” Those words were bitter in her throat as she recalled that night. It was like she said the other day, the giant people aren’t the only ones they need to look out for.

“I’m sorry,” Ryan said sincerely, finally letting go of his jaw showing the nice welt left from Willow’s punch.

“Oh… oh that’s pretty bad,” Willow remarked, wincing at the swollen red spot on his face that seemed to be growing.

“I’ve had worse,” Ryan chuckled, playing it off.

Willow couldn’t help but smile, “Really? I’m pretty sure I clocked you pretty good. Are you telling me someone punched you harder than me?”

There was a slow pause before Ryan spoke. “… no. You hit me harder than anyone ever had.” Ryan laughed, “Was just trying to be cool for a moment.”

Willow shook her head, “Cool? Oh please….” Willow quickly patted Ryan on the shoulder, “Just to let you know that was like half my strength.”

“What?!” Ryan gasped moving a few inches away from Willow, “You were holding back?!”

Willow laughed at his reaction before shrugging with a grin, “As I said, I was dreaming.”

Ryan’s worry slowly grew into a smile, “Well thank goodness you were dreaming, otherwise you would have punched my jaw off.”

Willow continued to laugh, “That’s true.”

Both of them sat there smiling at their little conversation. The sun slowly rising up, eradicating more shadows and showing off the waking world  with its rays. Willow noticed the other slowly stirring. It was nice talking to Ryan, but she knew how much they had to do today. Turning more serious than a few moments ago, Willow spoke, “You should get ready to move out.”

Ryan stood up but didn’t move away, “Are we still going to your friend’s place?”

Willow froze at the comment. “I…” Willow wasn’t sure.  The other day Ryan made a good point. Was Sora any better than the rest of them? Hell, the last time Willow saw her was years ago, and even then there felt like there was something between them.  However the time apart from the only kind normal sized person had really made Willow worry that maybe Sora isn’t the only nice one out there.  Maybe she was like the others. “I…” Willow said, still not sure.

“Look, I said some stuff, and it might have been distracting to you,” He said. Willow couldn’t help but think, yeah no shit. Still, Ryan went on, “I think if you can trust her, then the rest of us will.  I mean, it’s only been a few days, but you seem to know your shit that’s for sure.”  Ryan shrugged and smiled,   “So, if you’re willing to trust whoever this person is,” Ryan chuckled,  “Well, I got nowhere better to go. Just promise me that if this ends bad,” Ryan again paused and gave Willow a look that struck her. A sincere and personal gaze, “You won't give up… you’ll stay with us...okay?”

Willow froze as she heard how serious Ryan was. The idea that Sora might be different, yes it was possible. A billion to one chance, but still possible. Heck… Willow hadn’t planned beyond that, if Sora was like everyone else, then she was ready to meet her fate right there and then. However, Ryan’s words slowly dragged her out of that thought. If Sora couldn’t be trusted, then what?

“Trust me, she can be,” Willow remarked, pulling up her blanket and only pausing for a moment. Willow was silent as she went through the possibility. “But…” Willow spoke, sighing. “If she can’t… then I’ll do everything to get you all out of there.” Willow looked at Ryan and saw hope and relief flow through him.

“Okay,” Ryan said, nodding. “That’s all I needed to hear.”

“Good,” Willow quickly spoke, “Now shut the hell up and get your shit together. We have a lot of ground to cover.” Willow watched Ryan nod as he slowly trudged over toward his gear. His reaction pulled her attention to him till she noticed the sounds of the others getting up. Forcing herself to look away, she eyed the others. Thomas was slowly getting up, checking his baggage for something before happily packing up. Katty was slower but doing the same. It wasn't’ till now that Willow’s worry had her directing her attention toward the last person in their group, Marcus. He seemed to already be up and milling about. Willow’s attention was solely set on the stranger. It wasn’t till now that she felt like her attention should have been on them the whole night. Sadly she was way too exhausted to keep track of him the full night.  She just hoped that Ryan did as he promised and kept close attention to Marcus while she slept.

Making sure her gear was stuffed and packed away, Willow pulled in closer to the center of camp. The others were slowly doing so, as Willow watched the others get ready for breakfast and ready for the day. Willow kept one eye on Marcus and the other on her surroundings. It didn’t feel good seeing the stranger acting so calm and happy this morning. It sent the wrong signal to Willow. However, she stayed silent in her own thoughts and actions.

It was quiet between everyone, just a few remarks or talk as they silently packed up and gathered their things. Finally, someone broke the silence, it was  Marcus , “So, where are we going?”

Everyone seemed caught off by the words, looking confused and toward Willow. She didn’t want to talk to the person but the curious looks from the others forced her hand, “Somewhere safe,” Willow skeptically told Marcus.

“Well, have you heard of a place called Safe Haven?” Marcus asked.

Thomas seemed to perk up at that word, “Safe Haven?!”

Marcus nodded, “Yeah, I heard about it. It’s in that-”

Willow cut off Marcus, “We’re not going there.”

Ryan looked to Willow who seemed adamant on not heading in that direction.  Ryan was about to open his mouth, but slowly closed it.  Willow wasn’t sure if Ryan was rethinking questioning her or was just yawning.

Then Katty said it, “What’s Safe Haven?”

Marcus quickly and delightedly answered her, “A place for Shrinkies like us to hide safely. A community of shrinkies.”

Willow wanted to chuck something at Marcus right now, but she didn’t have anything in hand she could afford to lose. “And in the opposite direction of where we were heading,” Willow told everyone. She quickly jerked her hand toward the direction south, “That’s not where we want to head.”

“Why not,” Thomas quickly added. “A safe place for shrinkies? That sounds like where we should be heading.”

Willow shook her head but slowly saw that not everyone was on the same page.  Willow shook her head, ‘Whatever if you want to go there go ahead, I’m not.”

“Whoa whoa whoa,” Ryan quickly spoke moving toward Willow. Willow watched Ryan look at her as he quietly asked her, “What’s wrong? You sound very certain about it.  I mean, maybe we should talk it out?”

Willow glanced back at Marcus then back at Ryan.  Grumbling Willow spoke, sounding so annoyed that she had to talk about it.  “Look, I’ve been there. It’s not as cracked up as it sounds. A place for Shrinkies? Sure sounds good…. But it doesn’t work.”  Willow was already getting her bag repacked after breakfast.

Ryan looked confused. “What do you mean?” Ryan called her name, stopping her from packing up the last of her supplies. “What are you talking about?”

Willow was about to tell him to do whatever he wanted, maybe even to fuck off. However, she stopped, her gaze going to Thomas and Katty who were just as confused and worried by Willow’s outburst and refusal to go to Safe Haven. Willow finally sighed. “It might be safe, but it’s no paradise,” Willow spoke. The reaction on Marcus was almost priceless as Willow continued to talk. “Yes, you're safe, but at the cost of your food. I spent a year or two there…” Everyone was looking at Willow. Not sure if they would understand she pulled out a chunk of food from her bag. Holding it up she showed it to the others. “Gathers bring back food and other supplies. Everything collected is given to everyone in the community.”

“That doesn’t sound so bad,” Ryan remarked, getting a look from Willow.

“Sure…” Willow responded as she took her food and broke it up and handed parts of it to everyone. “But when the gathers come back with only so much food… sometimes your big break turns into…” She showed off the fraction of her food she started with, “Fucking scraps. I can’t tell you how many times I went hungry when I was the only one coming back with food, or coming back at all. It sounds good sharing everything you have with everyone, that is until you are forced to eat little scraps of what you just collected. So yeah, it’s safe, but not a paradise. There are far too many mouths to feed there and far too little supplies.” Willow hiked up her bag and started to head off in the opposite direction, “So yeah, if you want to go to Safe Haven, go ahead,” Willow remarked, “But I promise you that things probably haven't changed since I left.  Not enough people are volunteering to go on runs, fewer have experience, and even less make it back.”

Now it was Marcus’s turn as the other looked at him. Marcus seemed a little at a loss, “I, uh… well I don’t know about that, but it’s supposed to be shrinky safe. Isn’t that worth something?’

“Yeah, sure,” Willow remarked, “If you want to starve to death. Look,” Willow sighed, “I’m not stopping anyone. If you want to go, fine. I’m just letting you know what you're walking into. That place is a sinking ship. There’s a reason why I left. I can’t promise it’s safer with me, but I can promise that you’ll at least have some sort of food.” Willow looked at the others who were hesitant. “I’m not gonna take your share of food, it’s yours,” Willow remarked, continuing in the opposite direction of where Marcus and Safe Haven were, “But I will say, you can expect that most if not all of your supplies to be taken to ‘share’ with the others. Just think about it, all that work, only to be tossed to others who hadn’t even worked a fraction as hard as you did. Risking your life to only get scraps…” Willow was recalling some of her experience with Safe Haven. “Yeah… go ahead, it’s a perfect utopia for Shrinkies…”

Willow didn’t even tell them of the times she had to gather food and was the sole savior to return. Only to watch as that weeks worth of food she nearly died for, vanish into a crowd of shrinkies… something she barely savored as it was split among the countless others who refused to look for food cause it was too hard or scary. It was a broken system, one that hurt her more than it helped.

“Anyway, pick your choice, I’m moving on… “ Willow remarked as she started to walk away from camp.

“Wait,” Ryan called out again, his feet quickly following after Willow.

Willow paused and turned around. Sure enough, Ryan was gathering his stuff and picked his choice. Willow felt a little flutter of joy seeing Ryan come after her. Then Katty, and slowly Thomas. They were on her side. Marcus was the last one.

“Uh… Yeah, what was I thinking,” Marcus chucked while getting his stuff, “I’ll follow after you all.”

Willow turned away so they couldn’t see her annoyance.  The one person she DIDN’T want to follow after them.  She rolled her eyes and muttered, “Yeah, great.”

Being far away from the gigantic houses helped their travel in not having to worry about someone walking by. Walking along the woods to one side and a street kept Willow’s attention in one direction rather than from both sides. Sadly it was a far walk to Sora’s home, one that could take at least a week or two. She lived far away, at least for a shrinky to travel. They would need to make at least two or more food runs and that was hoping they collected plenty of food like the last exploration. Willow spotted Ryan behind her with the others in tow following her. She didn’t know why Ryan choosing to follow her meant so much. Him being the first to say he was with her, made her heart act a way she hadn’t felt in… ten or more years.  She felt joy or happiness.  Having someone like him rely and believe in her moved her.  Sure he was an idiot, and was never thinking about his own safety.  Yet she couldn’t hate to have someone always looking out for her.  Something that she only trusted Brand with.  Willow didn’t know if she could or even should trust Ryan that much. Willow slowed down and let Ryan catch up with her. As he slowly walked along with her she couldn’t help but ask him about what was on her mind.

“Why did you follow me?”  Willow asked, sounding a little confused and shocked.  “I mean, you barely know me and you nearly died probably more times in the past few days than in your entire life.”

Ryan looked at willow confused at the question, “Well… I mean… you seem to know your shit,” Ryan laughed for a moment and stopped seeing as Willow wasn’t laughing. “I uh, I mean, it hasn’t been easy but, I think you made the best calls so far. And I won’t lie,” Ryan said looking at Willow, “I think you still make the right calls, if Safe Haven isn’t the right place to go then I believe you.  Besides, I couldn’t leave you all by yourself,” Ryan gave Willow a playful smirk.  Willow felt a tingle in her core running up her spine. This was the first time anyone said anything remotely kind or endearing to her.  Ryan shrugged and chuckled, “What do I know anyway. Maybe I did pick the wrong path, then so be it. At least I’m with everyone, right? Fuck it, at least I’ll be with you in the end right,” Ryan smiled.

Willow quickly looked away as she felt something warm spread over her face. What the hell… who the fuck would say something like that. He was an idiot. He should have gone toward Safe Haven. That was the smarter thing to do. Yet here he was, following her.

Willow was quiet for a moment and finally spoke to Ryan, “Thanks…. That might be the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.”

Ryan looked and laughed like it was a joke before he realized Willow wasn’t kidding., “No.  No, really? You’re being serious right now? Oh shit, no problem?  I think?”  Willow wanted to laugh at how silly he looked confused at what reaction to have.

Willow slowly nodded, “Yeah. I mean It’s not like…” Willow stopped. Ryan slowed down, followed by Thomas and Katty. Willow suddenly felt off as something was off.  Or more like someone was missing,“Where is Marcus?”

Willow noticed that he vanished. He was behind everyone but now he was gone.

“Huh …. he was just here,” Ryan said, sounding worried.

Willow looked around and didn’t see a scrap of Marcus. He was gone. “Fuck…. Marcus!” Willow called out feeling a sense of dread and worry. Yes, she didn’t trust him, but a missing member of the group regardless of their shade level was something to worry about. Willow inhaled about to shout out his name again when there was some rustling.

“Sorry,” Marcus gasped coming from the grass wall behind them. “Lost… my…. Breath…” He panted.

Willow sighed but glared at him. “Fucking say something next time… fine. Let’s take a break.”

“Thank….. you….” Marcus gasped, taking a seat.

Willow took a seat and Ryan was next to her recovering from the slight exhaustion. “Looks like someone is worse off than you,” Willow muttered to Ryan as a playful jab at him.

Ryan chuckled. ““Yeah… hey!  I’m not that out of shape.”

Willow smiled as she took her breath in letting her lungs relax for a moment, “I don’t know, you were kind of slow the other day. Glad you kept up though.”

“Really? I would have thought you were trying to ditch me for sure,” Ryan grumbled.

Willow felt a childish sense of fun teasing him, “Maybe the first few hours… but you kept up. I’m proud of you,” Willow sat up looking at the grumbling Ryan. “Awww don’t be like that. I thought it was…. Kind of… “ Willow’s words slowly died in her throat as she spotted something off.  Frowning she narrowed her eyes looking past Ryan… past Thomas… past Katty…

Willow was looking right at Marcus. Something was different, out of place. Something was setting off her alarms.  He was sitting there by himself breathing and taking a drink of water. Yet Willow’s senses were screaming at her. But why? She didn’t know…. Everything looked the same. The only thing that caught her attention was the weird communicator on his neck….

Why was the communicator on his neck?

“FUCK!” Willow bolted up as everyone looked at her.

Just as Willow was about to go for Marcus a dark shadow loomed over them. Almost like a set of clouds rolled over the sky, but Willow knew better. Her eyes moved up and she was greeted by a large and well rounded woman peering down at them with a wicked smile.

“There you are….” She spoke with a glee in her voice.  “I knew you could find some.”

“RUN!” Willow yelled, tossing her bag off for more speed. She knew she was twice as fast without supplies weighing her down. Sadly, Willow was the first person the giantess reached for. Willow tried to duck and get out of the way but the attention of the giantess on her made her easy prey. The hand nabbed at her and soon Willow was plucked off the ground and heading toward a cloth pouch. Soon Willow was chucked into it. Willow landed in the empty pouch breathing heavily, already looking for a way out. Soon another joined her, Thomas, soon Katty was next, and finally Ryan.

All four of them were looking up at the small portal opening at the slightly chubby giantess. “Oh shit! Four?! Nice going brother.” Willow glared up and saw that the giantess was holding Marcus in her hand as she peered down at them. “What a nice catch.”

Willow didn’t care how Marcus looked, his apologetic look meant nothing to her. The fucking turny showed his true colors as she spoke and the giantess said something, “Oh don’t worry about them. They're just for tomorrow’s party. Anyway, I’ll get you a little treat for helping me out.”

“YOU FUCKING BASTARD!” Willow shouted with rage before she watched the opening slowly close as the pouch opening was tightened shut.

“wh-wha the fuck,” Willow heard Ryan muttered so confused.

There was a sudden movement as the giantess started to move. “I told you,” Willow spoke angrily, not because she blamed Ryan but because she let her guard down. “He’s a turny. Sometimes it’s not the large ones you have to look out for.”

The feeling of swaying and movement tossed Willow and the others around. Willow didn’t even fight it as she collided with someone. That was the least of her issues. She was now captured by a giantess and was now at the mercy of a merciless creature that would do whatever she wanted. Willow just hoped that their suffering wasn’t going to be too harsh. However, the look on the giantess' chubby face when she easily captured Willow, told her there were wicked plans for them.

Willow sighed in defeat, so this was how she was going to die…