Alright, I started writing a Steampunk story, and I'm currently planning on posting it to Jukepop Serials in hopes of actually getting paid (a very small amount) for my fiction. Currently, I'm reviewing and editing the first two chapters, as well as figuring out what I'm going to do with the third, so I thought I would show you guys what I have so far, getting an idea on how it looks and what needs to be fixed.
Enjoy.
“So, you're leaving?†her mother asked, watching her move back and forth through their home.
“Yes. It's time for a change.†Angela replied, gathering what few belongings remained lying strewn around the house.
“No point in trying to stop you, is there?â€
“Nope.†Angela said, not breaking stride.
“You sure? Last time you said you were leaving you were back by supper.â€
“The last time I said that I was seven. I'm sixteen now.â€
Her mother sighed, a look of long suffering crossing her face, “You at least have some food packed?â€
“Enough to last me a week if I'm careful.†was the answer, carelessly given as she bundled another one of her knickknacks.
“What would your father say, if he could see you leaving me behind?†the woman fretted, looking at a well worn photo covered in dust.
“He would probably wonder what took me so long. He always did like adventure, mother.†Angela answered, taking a moment to look at the same photo.
“It was his greatest weakness. The damn fool probably joined the Imperial Army just so he could see the sights.†she sighed, thinking of her husband, and days long past.
“I'm sure he'll be back again soon mom.†Angela tried to comfort her, earning a chuckle instead.
“Your father would rather spend his time exploring caves and ruins than making house with me. He always comes back, but leaves within a few weeks.â€
“Sorry...†Angela apologized.
“No need for that. I knew what I was getting into when I married him.†her mother waved off her concerns, “You just focus on getting you ready. Do you have everything packed?â€
“Yes mother.†Angela said exasperatedly.
“Clothes?â€
“Yes.â€
“Toolkit?â€
“I wouldn't be much of a mechanic if I forgot it.†Angela said, pointing at the large backpack containing most of her tools.
“Money?â€
“Not much but it should be enough.†Angela said, brushing a stray lock of dark brown hair out of her face before tucking it under her hat.
“Are you sure you can carry everything?â€
“I've spent most of my life lugging around those contraptions out back. I should be fine for some time, and I can always catch a train when I get a bit closer to the city.â€
“Well, alright then...†she trailed off, distracting her daughter from her current work.
“Mom?â€
“I just don't know what I'm going to do without you around.†Angela glanced at her mother. Her hair was pulled back in a tight, graying bun, and her crow's feet were deepened by obvious worry and concern.
“Keep Jamie out of trouble, hopefully. Dad left enough money for you to get by, especially without another mouth to feed.†Angela tried to lighten the mood.
“Things will certainly be quieter until he grows up a bit.†She admitted, watching the grinning child rush around attempting to help. But only succeeding in scattering carefully organized piles in his zeal. Outside, a raucous round of barking broke out, encouraging the young boy in his efforts, causing her mother to jump and Annabel to laugh.
“I suppose you're taking that thing with you?†the woman asked, pointing disdainfully at the mongrel dog outside wagging its tail in anticipation.
“I'd hate to leave Scruffy here with you. You'd eat him inside of a week.†was her joking reply, though she didn't break stride, continuing to pack everything remaining with a methodical zeal. “Of course, he always does what he wants, so I can't make any promises.â€
“I wish your father would have taken him on one of his trips. It would keep that mutt out of my hair.â€
“Jamie would never let that happen.â€
“I suppose I could give him your share of dinner, since you won't be around to complain.†her mother joked, earning a laugh from Angela, before a sobering thought shot through her head.
“You're not going to forget me, are you?†Angela asked hesitantly, pausing in her packing.
“Forget you? With those monstrosities you've been tinkering with cluttering up my yard?†her mother said wistfully, gesturing at the numerous piles of scrap scatted across the back yard.
“Those were all dad's. You know that.†Angela answered.
Her mother chuckled, “He always did like bringing home unusual trinkets from his adventures. If I'm remembering right, that's the whole reason you became interested in tinkering with machines.â€
Angela smiled, “I always wanted to know how all of them worked. Dad didn't have a clue, so the only option I really had was to figure it out for myself.â€
“You never made much progress on them, did you?â€
“No. I was always too distracted by whatever new thing dad brought home. By the time I was ready to figure out one of them he always brought home something new to decipher.“ Angela said easily, “Besides, way out here, it's difficult to find a mechanics book beyond the basics.â€
“Well, you've done a wonderful job with them. You may not have been able to get them working the way you hoped, but it's far better than anyone else who took a crack at it.â€
“I promise, when I come back, I'll clean them up when I come back. Heck, I might be able to have them clean themselves up when I get back.â€
“If you come back.†Her mother answered, her voice trailing off
“I'll come back. I promise.â€
“That's what your father used to say.†Her mother said with a snort.
“Mom...†Angela trailed off, not sure what to say, “Do you really think I'd abandon you like that? That I would leave and never look back?â€
Her mother didn't answer, preoccupying herself with gathering ingredients for dinner. She cursed lightly, before putting a significant portion back, remembering there would be one less person at the table tonight.
“Mom, you understand why I'm doing this right?†Angela asked hesitantly as she packed up the last of her things. When her mother refused to respond once again, she moved forward, staying her mother's hand with her own, forcing her to look at her..
With their eyes locked, Angela could see the fear and worry in her mother's eyes. Suddenly, the rightness of her chosen course was called into doubt, and she felt an unstoppable urge to unpack everything and help her mother prepare dinner.
Upon seeing her daughter's doubts, the look of worry vanished from her mother's face, replaced with a sad smile. “Of course I understand, darling. I may not be happy about it, but I understand.â€
“I... I just don't want you to think I'm like dad. That I'd leave you and never look back.â€
Her mother sighed, before wrapping her arms around her daughter, hugging her tightly. “Sweetheart, everyone feels the urge to stretch their legs and see the world. There's nothing wrong with that, as long as you don't let it rule your life. Gods know I love your father, and every day I hope that he'll come back, but I know that even if he did, it would only be a matter of time before the urge for adventure took him again. He may not be here physically, but his heart has never left my side. That's why I always wonder when he'll come back, instead of if.â€
“Do you think we'll see him again?†Angela asked, her voice almost hushed.
“You're more likely than me. You're the one going on an adventure of her own, aren't you?†Her mother said wistfully. “But while you're out looking for him, we'll be here, waiting for both of you to come home.â€
“Thank you, mother.â€
“Just stay safe out there, alright?â€
“Of course.†Angela said, pulling herself back together, though unable to completely suppress her sniffles.
“Here.†Angela glanced, up and froze as her mother unfasten her amulet.
“It's something your father got me, back when we first met. He always told me it was his promise to always be there for me, in spirit if not in body.â€
“Mom... I can't take this.†Angela said, staring at the blue tinged gem encircled by silver. As long as she could remember, her mother always had it around her neck, so to take it from her...
“Of course you can. Your father gave it to me, to assure me he would always be there for me. I'm giving it to you so you never forget you have a home here. I've had it for twenty years, I think I can do without for a bit.â€
“Thank you...†Angela responded, not sure what to say. She felt tears begin to well up at the gesture, and sniffled, trying to keep from bursting out crying.
“Are you sure you don't want to stay for dinner?†Her mother asked.
Angela laughed through her sniffles, slowly regaining her composure. “If I did that, then I wouldn't leave until tomorrow, and you'd just offer me dinner again.â€
“I didn't really expect that to work. You've always been a sharp one.†She said sadly, before shouting, “Jamie! Come and see your sister off!â€
A golden blur rushed out of the back room, before wrapping itself around her. Angela stumbled, but managed to avoid falling at the sudden impact.
“Hey squirt!â€
“Don't call me squirt!†he said, his voice muffled by her leg.
“Well you're too short to call anything else!†Angela chuckled, before bending down to ruffle his hair, “Maybe when I get back, you'll be tall enough that you'll need a new nickname.â€
“You really think I'll be taller?†He asked, relaxing his grip and looking up at her.
“Of course!†she grinned, “In fact, you might even be taller than me!â€
“Really!?†Jamie asked, his eyes wide in wonder.
“Yep!â€
“Awesome!†he nearly shouted, squeezing her legs harder as he did. Angela laughed, struggling to keep her balance.
“You'll bring me a present, right? A real one, not like the junk dad brought home?†Jamie asked, his eyes darting towards the mechanical monstrosities outside.
“I'm pretty sure I couldn't carry those like dad, so it'll have to be something much smaller.†Angela laughed lightly. Maybe I can find one of those crystal balls the druids use for you.
“Wow!â€
“Now would you mind finding my jeweler's tools? I think they're somewhere in my room, but I have to take care of this mess first.â€
â€Sure!†Jamie exclaimed, rushing off to her room in w whirlwind of energy.
“Didn't you already pack that?†Her mother asked, raising an eyebrow.
Angela smiled, turning back to her nearly full pack, “I did, but he doesn't know that, and it keeps him busy and out of the way.â€
“Good to see you got some of my smarts to go with your father's spirit. Any idea where you're heading to first?†her mother asked.
“The Clockwork City seems like as good a place as any to start. It's the closest city, and even if I can't find anything, there are plenty of trains passing through there that can take me somewhere else. Though I'm not too worried. A place like that could always use another mechanic or two.†Angela answered.
“Well, you won't starve at least. Always work to be found in the big city, especially for a mechanic.†Her mother said, some of the tension leaving her. “I just wish you would pick a place that was a bit safer...â€
“It's perfectly safe, mother.â€
“It's next to a volcano!â€
“And they have a number of safety precautions in the very rare chance that it actually erupts.†Angela said. “Like you said, a big city is the best place to find work as a mechanic, and the Clockwork City is always looking for them, for one job or another.â€
“Couldn't you just go work with Harvey? He's got a decent workshop, and it would give you a chance to hon your skills on those pocket watches he likes to make.â€
Angela sighed, “Watches were the first thing I learned to tinker with. I can pick one apart and put it back together in ten minutes flat. While I could work there, it just wouldn't have any meaning. I need to go out and see what I can do. I want to learn how all kinds of machines work, not just watches and farming devices. I want to see where dad got those machine, and learn how they work and what they're supposed to do.â€
“Alright, I understand that. It's just hard to let you go. The fact that you're going somewhere dangerous just makes it harder.†Her mother said, before seizing her in a steely grip. “Now you be careful out there, you hear me?â€
Angela sighed, but returned the hug, “Of course mother. You know I will be.â€
“It doesn't mean I don't worry. The volcano certainly doesn't help any with that.â€
“Sorry, there's not much I can do about that.†Angela said, sharing a quiet laugh with her mother.
Angela spared one last glance through her things, assuring herself that everything was packed and put away properly. She shouldered the heavy bag, giving herself a moment to adjust to the heavy burden, before turning towards her mother.
“I'll see you again some time. Goodbye mother.†Angela said, locking eyes with her.
“Good luck. You'll need it.†was the reply, given with a look she long ago became familiar with.
Worry.
Angela turned to look at her home for sixteen years. Despite all the chaos her packing had wrought, the house miraculously remained clean. The only mess present was in Jamie's room, and even he had managed to shove most of it under his bed for the moment.
Feeling tears well up in her eyes, the girl looked forward, and took the first step.
Silence fell upon the house, now emptier than it had even felt before. Angela's mother watched as her figure slowly shrank, before vanishing into the distance.
“Come here Jamie.†Angela's mother said. Her son approached her, and she wrapped her arms around him letting the tears fall now that her daughter could no longer be deterred by them.
-----
Angela trudged down the dirt road, watching the few houses of her rural town pass by her. She had expected a more satisfying feeling when she finally left home too find her place in the world. Instead, all she felt was loneliness.
A bark rang out.
Angela paused for a moment, turning to look at the dog that had been around her house for years, always causing trouble often with her helping it along. He was always bursting with energy, nearly bouncing with every step, but now, he sat perfectly still, looking at her expectantly.
Angela looked around, slowly taking in the area around her. This was the farthest she had ever been from her village. The furthest she had ever gone from home. It seemed it was as far as he was willing to go.
“So boy, are you coming with me?†Angela asked. Her only reply was a quiet whine.
Angela sighed, “I get it. This place is your home, isn't it? Even if mom complains about you, it's still home.†her dog didn't reply, but continued to stare at her.
“It's fine. You know where you want to be, and that's a wonderful thing to you. Just promise me something, keep an eye on my little brother for me, and try not to make mom too angry, alright?†Angela asked, receiving a joyous bark in response, before her constant companion took off, heading back towards her home.
Angela watched him wistfully for a moment. You can still turn back. A voice in her head whispered. For a moment, Angela considered it, before shaking her head.
“If I stop now, I'll stop for the rest of my life.†Angela said to herself, steeling her resolve once more. It was far easier to take the next step than it was to leave her home in the first place, but it still hurt. Angela didn't let it stop her, and as her journey continued, the pain faded with each step.
She only hoped it would vanish entirely soon.
[hr]
Enjoy.
“So, you're leaving?†her mother asked, watching her move back and forth through their home.
“Yes. It's time for a change.†Angela replied, gathering what few belongings remained lying strewn around the house.
“No point in trying to stop you, is there?â€
“Nope.†Angela said, not breaking stride.
“You sure? Last time you said you were leaving you were back by supper.â€
“The last time I said that I was seven. I'm sixteen now.â€
Her mother sighed, a look of long suffering crossing her face, “You at least have some food packed?â€
“Enough to last me a week if I'm careful.†was the answer, carelessly given as she bundled another one of her knickknacks.
“What would your father say, if he could see you leaving me behind?†the woman fretted, looking at a well worn photo covered in dust.
“He would probably wonder what took me so long. He always did like adventure, mother.†Angela answered, taking a moment to look at the same photo.
“It was his greatest weakness. The damn fool probably joined the Imperial Army just so he could see the sights.†she sighed, thinking of her husband, and days long past.
“I'm sure he'll be back again soon mom.†Angela tried to comfort her, earning a chuckle instead.
“Your father would rather spend his time exploring caves and ruins than making house with me. He always comes back, but leaves within a few weeks.â€
“Sorry...†Angela apologized.
“No need for that. I knew what I was getting into when I married him.†her mother waved off her concerns, “You just focus on getting you ready. Do you have everything packed?â€
“Yes mother.†Angela said exasperatedly.
“Clothes?â€
“Yes.â€
“Toolkit?â€
“I wouldn't be much of a mechanic if I forgot it.†Angela said, pointing at the large backpack containing most of her tools.
“Money?â€
“Not much but it should be enough.†Angela said, brushing a stray lock of dark brown hair out of her face before tucking it under her hat.
“Are you sure you can carry everything?â€
“I've spent most of my life lugging around those contraptions out back. I should be fine for some time, and I can always catch a train when I get a bit closer to the city.â€
“Well, alright then...†she trailed off, distracting her daughter from her current work.
“Mom?â€
“I just don't know what I'm going to do without you around.†Angela glanced at her mother. Her hair was pulled back in a tight, graying bun, and her crow's feet were deepened by obvious worry and concern.
“Keep Jamie out of trouble, hopefully. Dad left enough money for you to get by, especially without another mouth to feed.†Angela tried to lighten the mood.
“Things will certainly be quieter until he grows up a bit.†She admitted, watching the grinning child rush around attempting to help. But only succeeding in scattering carefully organized piles in his zeal. Outside, a raucous round of barking broke out, encouraging the young boy in his efforts, causing her mother to jump and Annabel to laugh.
“I suppose you're taking that thing with you?†the woman asked, pointing disdainfully at the mongrel dog outside wagging its tail in anticipation.
“I'd hate to leave Scruffy here with you. You'd eat him inside of a week.†was her joking reply, though she didn't break stride, continuing to pack everything remaining with a methodical zeal. “Of course, he always does what he wants, so I can't make any promises.â€
“I wish your father would have taken him on one of his trips. It would keep that mutt out of my hair.â€
“Jamie would never let that happen.â€
“I suppose I could give him your share of dinner, since you won't be around to complain.†her mother joked, earning a laugh from Angela, before a sobering thought shot through her head.
“You're not going to forget me, are you?†Angela asked hesitantly, pausing in her packing.
“Forget you? With those monstrosities you've been tinkering with cluttering up my yard?†her mother said wistfully, gesturing at the numerous piles of scrap scatted across the back yard.
“Those were all dad's. You know that.†Angela answered.
Her mother chuckled, “He always did like bringing home unusual trinkets from his adventures. If I'm remembering right, that's the whole reason you became interested in tinkering with machines.â€
Angela smiled, “I always wanted to know how all of them worked. Dad didn't have a clue, so the only option I really had was to figure it out for myself.â€
“You never made much progress on them, did you?â€
“No. I was always too distracted by whatever new thing dad brought home. By the time I was ready to figure out one of them he always brought home something new to decipher.“ Angela said easily, “Besides, way out here, it's difficult to find a mechanics book beyond the basics.â€
“Well, you've done a wonderful job with them. You may not have been able to get them working the way you hoped, but it's far better than anyone else who took a crack at it.â€
“I promise, when I come back, I'll clean them up when I come back. Heck, I might be able to have them clean themselves up when I get back.â€
“If you come back.†Her mother answered, her voice trailing off
“I'll come back. I promise.â€
“That's what your father used to say.†Her mother said with a snort.
“Mom...†Angela trailed off, not sure what to say, “Do you really think I'd abandon you like that? That I would leave and never look back?â€
Her mother didn't answer, preoccupying herself with gathering ingredients for dinner. She cursed lightly, before putting a significant portion back, remembering there would be one less person at the table tonight.
“Mom, you understand why I'm doing this right?†Angela asked hesitantly as she packed up the last of her things. When her mother refused to respond once again, she moved forward, staying her mother's hand with her own, forcing her to look at her..
With their eyes locked, Angela could see the fear and worry in her mother's eyes. Suddenly, the rightness of her chosen course was called into doubt, and she felt an unstoppable urge to unpack everything and help her mother prepare dinner.
Upon seeing her daughter's doubts, the look of worry vanished from her mother's face, replaced with a sad smile. “Of course I understand, darling. I may not be happy about it, but I understand.â€
“I... I just don't want you to think I'm like dad. That I'd leave you and never look back.â€
Her mother sighed, before wrapping her arms around her daughter, hugging her tightly. “Sweetheart, everyone feels the urge to stretch their legs and see the world. There's nothing wrong with that, as long as you don't let it rule your life. Gods know I love your father, and every day I hope that he'll come back, but I know that even if he did, it would only be a matter of time before the urge for adventure took him again. He may not be here physically, but his heart has never left my side. That's why I always wonder when he'll come back, instead of if.â€
“Do you think we'll see him again?†Angela asked, her voice almost hushed.
“You're more likely than me. You're the one going on an adventure of her own, aren't you?†Her mother said wistfully. “But while you're out looking for him, we'll be here, waiting for both of you to come home.â€
“Thank you, mother.â€
“Just stay safe out there, alright?â€
“Of course.†Angela said, pulling herself back together, though unable to completely suppress her sniffles.
“Here.†Angela glanced, up and froze as her mother unfasten her amulet.
“It's something your father got me, back when we first met. He always told me it was his promise to always be there for me, in spirit if not in body.â€
“Mom... I can't take this.†Angela said, staring at the blue tinged gem encircled by silver. As long as she could remember, her mother always had it around her neck, so to take it from her...
“Of course you can. Your father gave it to me, to assure me he would always be there for me. I'm giving it to you so you never forget you have a home here. I've had it for twenty years, I think I can do without for a bit.â€
“Thank you...†Angela responded, not sure what to say. She felt tears begin to well up at the gesture, and sniffled, trying to keep from bursting out crying.
“Are you sure you don't want to stay for dinner?†Her mother asked.
Angela laughed through her sniffles, slowly regaining her composure. “If I did that, then I wouldn't leave until tomorrow, and you'd just offer me dinner again.â€
“I didn't really expect that to work. You've always been a sharp one.†She said sadly, before shouting, “Jamie! Come and see your sister off!â€
A golden blur rushed out of the back room, before wrapping itself around her. Angela stumbled, but managed to avoid falling at the sudden impact.
“Hey squirt!â€
“Don't call me squirt!†he said, his voice muffled by her leg.
“Well you're too short to call anything else!†Angela chuckled, before bending down to ruffle his hair, “Maybe when I get back, you'll be tall enough that you'll need a new nickname.â€
“You really think I'll be taller?†He asked, relaxing his grip and looking up at her.
“Of course!†she grinned, “In fact, you might even be taller than me!â€
“Really!?†Jamie asked, his eyes wide in wonder.
“Yep!â€
“Awesome!†he nearly shouted, squeezing her legs harder as he did. Angela laughed, struggling to keep her balance.
“You'll bring me a present, right? A real one, not like the junk dad brought home?†Jamie asked, his eyes darting towards the mechanical monstrosities outside.
“I'm pretty sure I couldn't carry those like dad, so it'll have to be something much smaller.†Angela laughed lightly. Maybe I can find one of those crystal balls the druids use for you.
“Wow!â€
“Now would you mind finding my jeweler's tools? I think they're somewhere in my room, but I have to take care of this mess first.â€
â€Sure!†Jamie exclaimed, rushing off to her room in w whirlwind of energy.
“Didn't you already pack that?†Her mother asked, raising an eyebrow.
Angela smiled, turning back to her nearly full pack, “I did, but he doesn't know that, and it keeps him busy and out of the way.â€
“Good to see you got some of my smarts to go with your father's spirit. Any idea where you're heading to first?†her mother asked.
“The Clockwork City seems like as good a place as any to start. It's the closest city, and even if I can't find anything, there are plenty of trains passing through there that can take me somewhere else. Though I'm not too worried. A place like that could always use another mechanic or two.†Angela answered.
“Well, you won't starve at least. Always work to be found in the big city, especially for a mechanic.†Her mother said, some of the tension leaving her. “I just wish you would pick a place that was a bit safer...â€
“It's perfectly safe, mother.â€
“It's next to a volcano!â€
“And they have a number of safety precautions in the very rare chance that it actually erupts.†Angela said. “Like you said, a big city is the best place to find work as a mechanic, and the Clockwork City is always looking for them, for one job or another.â€
“Couldn't you just go work with Harvey? He's got a decent workshop, and it would give you a chance to hon your skills on those pocket watches he likes to make.â€
Angela sighed, “Watches were the first thing I learned to tinker with. I can pick one apart and put it back together in ten minutes flat. While I could work there, it just wouldn't have any meaning. I need to go out and see what I can do. I want to learn how all kinds of machines work, not just watches and farming devices. I want to see where dad got those machine, and learn how they work and what they're supposed to do.â€
“Alright, I understand that. It's just hard to let you go. The fact that you're going somewhere dangerous just makes it harder.†Her mother said, before seizing her in a steely grip. “Now you be careful out there, you hear me?â€
Angela sighed, but returned the hug, “Of course mother. You know I will be.â€
“It doesn't mean I don't worry. The volcano certainly doesn't help any with that.â€
“Sorry, there's not much I can do about that.†Angela said, sharing a quiet laugh with her mother.
Angela spared one last glance through her things, assuring herself that everything was packed and put away properly. She shouldered the heavy bag, giving herself a moment to adjust to the heavy burden, before turning towards her mother.
“I'll see you again some time. Goodbye mother.†Angela said, locking eyes with her.
“Good luck. You'll need it.†was the reply, given with a look she long ago became familiar with.
Worry.
Angela turned to look at her home for sixteen years. Despite all the chaos her packing had wrought, the house miraculously remained clean. The only mess present was in Jamie's room, and even he had managed to shove most of it under his bed for the moment.
Feeling tears well up in her eyes, the girl looked forward, and took the first step.
Silence fell upon the house, now emptier than it had even felt before. Angela's mother watched as her figure slowly shrank, before vanishing into the distance.
“Come here Jamie.†Angela's mother said. Her son approached her, and she wrapped her arms around him letting the tears fall now that her daughter could no longer be deterred by them.
-----
Angela trudged down the dirt road, watching the few houses of her rural town pass by her. She had expected a more satisfying feeling when she finally left home too find her place in the world. Instead, all she felt was loneliness.
A bark rang out.
Angela paused for a moment, turning to look at the dog that had been around her house for years, always causing trouble often with her helping it along. He was always bursting with energy, nearly bouncing with every step, but now, he sat perfectly still, looking at her expectantly.
Angela looked around, slowly taking in the area around her. This was the farthest she had ever been from her village. The furthest she had ever gone from home. It seemed it was as far as he was willing to go.
“So boy, are you coming with me?†Angela asked. Her only reply was a quiet whine.
Angela sighed, “I get it. This place is your home, isn't it? Even if mom complains about you, it's still home.†her dog didn't reply, but continued to stare at her.
“It's fine. You know where you want to be, and that's a wonderful thing to you. Just promise me something, keep an eye on my little brother for me, and try not to make mom too angry, alright?†Angela asked, receiving a joyous bark in response, before her constant companion took off, heading back towards her home.
Angela watched him wistfully for a moment. You can still turn back. A voice in her head whispered. For a moment, Angela considered it, before shaking her head.
“If I stop now, I'll stop for the rest of my life.†Angela said to herself, steeling her resolve once more. It was far easier to take the next step than it was to leave her home in the first place, but it still hurt. Angela didn't let it stop her, and as her journey continued, the pain faded with each step.
She only hoped it would vanish entirely soon.
[hr]