Three days later, mid-afternoon

Art [Clementine]

So, where to next?

The road looked so dreary after the rain. Now... it looked green, for one. The grass was full of little bugs that shone like stars when light hit at just the right angle, and even if nothing else could, that robbed a child's smile from her. Every trail was so long, you'd never see the end of one before the sun set. Clementine stuck to the same path and not once thought to turn back.

When the first night came, and the light bulb of the world went out - that was the hardest night. She'd never slept alone outside. Never had to shut her eyes without someone to watch out for her when the wolves howled and the wind sounded like infected dragging their feet. That time, Clem couldn't have been less ready to. But at least the flies kept her company. They buzzed and buzzed until her eyes swelled and the tree against her back started feeling comfy.

Food was easy, so there was that. So many cans, but then, also not enough. Ever. All that walking made her so hungry. It was sardine every day, and she'd grown to despise the taste. Clem felt lucky Andrea let her keep Lee's rifle, or else that's as much as she'd be eating period. It'd get better once she found that place. That's what Clem thought, and thought again, when her heels started throbbing in pain. I miss you, Whiskers.

The moon showed its ugly face so fast the second day, it made her want to quit. Already? Clementine's pace had dropped to less than half of what it was, and there was still nothing but trees to look forward to. She wanted to drop dead. Just lay down and wait until food ran out so she wouldn't have to wake up smelling bad and wanting to cry. That night she dreamed of being home and telling Ellie she loved her too.

It was only when Clementine felt the sun against her back, that it came into view above the hill; down the trail that never ended, next to the grass full of bugs, deep in scary fucking forest where she couldn't catch a wink of sleep. 'Hidden Pines Corral' it read, in a signpost Clementine simply zipped by. It was the same old ranch, looking not a day older - or not a day younger, really. Like real magic, the sun went missing in that valley between the mountains, leaving a trail of shadow to follow. And for the first time that day, Clementine let out a wistful breath.

"Here's to home."

Author's Notes: Thank you so much for reading this story! It's sequel, Snow Crystals, already has its first couple chapters up on my profile. The story continues! :)