"We were in a gas station or something and- We… I…" the small voice stumbled over her words.

"You guys got in trouble?" another voice replied flatly.

"No, I passed out. I can't remember everything that happened… Look, is she going to be all right?"

"She'll make it. Stop fussing, let's go get you something to eat and let this soldier rest, okay?"

"…Okay."

Claire struggled to open her eyes. Her vision was hazy, but her other senses ran wild. She could smell smoke, the roasting of some animal perhaps. Outside of this tent, she could hear the chopping of wood and the soft murmurs of voices in the distance. As she attempted to shift her body, she discovered that she was wrapped tightly in different animal furs and wool. The warmth was almost uncomfortable due to the previous cold exposure she had become so accustomed to. Then suddenly her mind began to race…

'Where was Kmart?'

Quickly, she pulled herself out of the fur bondage and cautiously poked her head out of the tent.

The sun was setting beyond the horizon, it appeared to be dusk.

A sigh of slight relief escaped her lips as she recognized her companions. Several children clumsily ran through the snow, chasing one another with sticks. A fire illuminated the center of the camp, a few men and women sat lazily around it; chatting about recent events.

'Same convoy; different location'

However, she was not calmed. Her comrade was yet to be found.

"HEY!" Claire shouted. Her voice came out harsh and ragged, like she had swallowed cotton.

The people around the camp appeared startled at their leader's sudden awakening. One woman quickly ran to the tent to see the status of Claire's recovery. Her name was Namena. She had dark patchy skin with deep chocolate eyes. Long matted black dreads framed her round pudgy face, which always shone kindness. She was found shortly after they had arrived in Alaska and had assumed the position of "local doctor".

"What ails you, honey?" She asked while placing a hand onto Claire's shoulder.

Claire cleared her throat.

"Where's Kmart, Nam?" Claire tried to keep her voice from wavering.

Namena let out a little chuckle.

"Oh, dear, she's fine." Namena motioned her hand over to a clearing of trees where two figures sat looking off into the distance. Claire squinted, trying to confirm Namena's words.

"Who's she with?" Claire questioned.

"Oh, strangest thing…" Namena trailed off.

'I swear to god if it's that boy, Dre…' Claire pondered the idea of Kmart becoming a little curious at the boy's previous offers. Then she imagined the two of them getting a little cozy in the tent Claire shared with Kmart. She shuddered.

"We got a newcomer, but apparently you've already met her… so has Kmart." Namena spoke with a usual smile. "They're just catching up."

Claire raised her eyebrow at the old woman.

"Where are my clothes?"

Claire finished wrapping the black belt around her olive green cargos and ducked out of the tent. As she made her way to the clearing of trees, the two figures turned their attention away from one another and towards her. Immediately, Claire realized who Kmart was with.

"Long time no see, Alice." Claire beamed.

A wry smile appeared on Alice's pale complexion. She looked worn, tired. Alice gave a simple nod in return to Claire's greeting. Claire continued to walk forward, taking the woman into her arms, and squeezing her tightly.

"You better have a helluva story to tell me," said Claire, reluctantly releasing the older woman.

Alice merely replied with another small smile and began following the two towards the seating around the center of the convoy. Kmart paused and stared at the sun that glistened across the ground before her.