Claire and Charlie sat around the fire in the early morning, overcome by boredom.

”What’s Marcus like? Hm… he’s kinda shy, but he’s really kind and fun. He’s pretty protective, mainly because of… our dad..” Charlie hesitated.

”your dad? What’s up with him?” Claire asked, and shivered after being reminded of what she saw in the room.

”he… wasn’t the best guy. He hated Marcus, and he didn’t really like me either. He abused Marcus a lot, hit him over the head, held him by his tail, locked him in his room, just to name a few. That’s why… Marcus tried to… y’know..” Charlie made a dragging motion across her wrists,

“whenever dad would get mad at me, Marcus would come and take the blunt of it, so I have only a few marks and bruises from him, while Marcus is covered in them. Yet… Marcus always seems happy. He’s never down when I’m nearby. I don’t know if he just pretends to be happy near me, but he always has a smile on his face, even when his eyes look sad.” Charlie felt joyful, yet melancholy at the same time.

Claire simply sat there, taking in what Charlie said.

”…what about your mom?” Charlie inquired.

”eh, she always turned a blind eye. Never really cared.”

Marcus and the man walked through the snow covered plain.

”you okay, kid? You look like you’re freezing in those pants. I got a shirt and pair of shoes, if you need them.” The man asked.

”no. I’m fine. It’s okay.” Marcus made it seem like he was fine, but he couldn’t help but think how the air pierced his bare chest, and the snow felt like daggers against his feet.

”alright then. Just tell me if you change your mind.”

”hey, uh.. y’know, we should probably get to know each other. What’s your name?” Marcus asked.

”James. What’s yours?”

”Marcus.”

”damn. Wait, hang on. Look at me.” James grabbed his shoulders.

”where’d you get all these scars?” He asked, concerned.

”..m-my dad.” Marcus looked down.

”oh…. i… I’m sorry…” James apologized, and Marcus looked away, trying to hide his tears.

”hey, hey…..” James felt horrible for even asking about the scars.

”I’m fine. I’m fine.” Marcus denied his pain.

James looked around for somewhere to set up camp, and spotted a tunnel.

”hey, over there, there’s somewhere we can rest.” James started walking toward the tunnel.

”hey, wait up!” Marcus jogged over to James as they continued their journey.