The walls of New Town came into sight once Ellie and Dina crossed the stream. The water had formed a thin icy layer over the top that gave way as soon as Chucky trod over it. The depth was barely enough to be an inconvenience, but it was mind-numbingly frigid.

New Town's defenses were fairly similar to Jackson's, owing to the fact that Maria and Tommy had helped the community set up. The two towns had been trading for years now, although Jackson was much larger in size. New Town's walls were tall enough to prevent anyone from climbing over, and the large metal gates were protected by two armed men. The light shone down on Ellie and Dina as they came within shouting distance.

"Stop there!"

Ellie pulled on Chucky's reins, bringing him to a halt. "We're from Jackson! We're here to talk to Jene."

They watched as the man spoke to the other guard, before he disappeared behind the gates. Standing still, they waited for it to open.

"This is really taking long," Dina said. She rested her head on Ellie's shoulder, clearly exhausted.

"I don't think they expect visitors at this time," Ellie replied. She glanced around, but couldn't see anything in the dark. They were vulnerable to any infected that decided it was a good time to attack. "You feeling alright?"

"Just need some shut-eye."

"So do I. I'm just glad we found this place."

The gates opened, and the man stepped out, beckoning them into sanctuary.

Rows of houses greeted them. It wasn't as busy as Jackson, but there were enough people out on the streets, moving around or talking to one another. They could make out the bar and the kitchens.

"Follow me," the man said, as Ellie and Dina jumped off Chucky and handed him to another man standing by a small shed. "Jene said you two could meet her in her house. This one, here," he said, leading them down the street to the last house. He knocked on the door and waited. "I don't know you two, so I'm going to be close by. Leave your bags here and don't try anything funny."

The two complied, setting down their stuff in the porch.

The door was opened by a woman, presumably Jene. Ellie estimated her to be about Joel's age. Her greyish unbridled hair reached her shoulders. Her shirt was tucked into her jeans and a conspicuous scar ran across her cheek, with several stitch marks around it.

"You're from Jackson?" she asked.

"Yeah. I'm Ellie and this is Dina."

"Come on in." She had a warm voice.

Jene's house seemed lavish when compared to Tommy and Maria's. It was on a single floor. Couches and chairs sat near the doorway, with the kitchen and dining area right beyond it. The room towards the back appeared to be her bedroom. She had decorated her house with several vases and ornaments.

Ellie instantly felt relieved as she sat down on the plush couch. She was used to riding horses for several days strung together, but that did nothing to ease the tiredness she'd feel right after. Now, was no different.

"What brings you here?" Jene asked. "I wasn't expecting anybody from Jackson."

"We're here to ask about Joel." Ellie got straight to the point. "He should've been back at Jackson by now, but he isn't. Is he here?"

"No." She furrowed her brow. "Joel left a week ago. He was going to leave the morning after he arrived, but he couldn't, thanks to the storm. He waited the night and left just before daylight."

"So, he's really not here?" Ellie's heart sank. She looked at Dina worriedly.

Jene shook her head.

"Joel was only supposed to come here and then return home. He told me he'd be back in a few days before he left," Ellie pressed on.

"Well, he's definitely not here."

The words tightened around her neck like a noose as she stared at the ground.

"I didn't mean to worry you. I'll be right back," Jene abruptly said, going into the kitchen.

Dina moved next to Ellie, wrapping her arm around her.

"We don't know where he is," Ellie whispered. "Or even if he's alive." Morbid thoughts filled her head.

"He's alive, okay? Don't say things like that. He's out there somewhere. We just have to figure out where he's gone."

She nodded.

"Have this," Jene said as she held out two steaming mugs. Her hands shook slightly. "It's cocoa."

Ellie accepted hers without a word, wrapping her fingers around it for warmth.

"Was Tommy here?" Dina asked.

"No. Why?"

"He left for the same reason we did, just before us. I thought he'd check this place first."

"I haven't seen him here. I'd know if he was," Jene replied.

"Did Joel say anything to you while he was here?" Ellie asked, putting her mug down. After sipping at the warm liquid, she felt the fatigue of the day pile on her.

"Now that I think of it, he said something about needing some time to himself. He didn't tell me where he was going because I think he didn't want anyone following him."

"So, he just… left like that? Without telling you anything?" Dina asked, bewildered.

"Yes," Jene affirmed. "He didn't seem like himself. But I'm sure he'll turn up soon. Just give him some time."

"Did he say anything that could tell us where he was going?"

"No, nothing of that sort. Look, in the years that I have known him, I can say that this isn't a big deal. Leave him be for now."

"Not a big deal?" Ellie repeated in disbelief. "Do you even know him?"

Jene pursed her lips. "Are you close to him, Ellie?"

"Yes." Her reply was instantaneous.

Jene nodded; her eyes fixated on her mug.

"If that's everything you can tell us, then we should get going," Ellie announced unceremoniously.

"This late?" Jene asked. "It's not ideal, but it should get you back to Jackson quicker if that's what you really want."

"We're not going back to Jackson. I'm not leaving Joel behind."

"I don't know if that's a good idea..."

Ellie gave Jene a questioning look.

"Sorry, I don't mean it in the way you're thinking," Jene hastily said. "Why don't you two stay the night? You both look like you could use it."

Dina glanced at Ellie. "I guess we could. You're tired. And so am I. We might as well spend the night here and continue tomorrow morning."

"Joel wouldn't give up if it was us," Ellie said flatly. "We have to go now."

"We're not giving up. Think about it. We won't make it through the night in this condition. You've barely slept over the last few days, or even eaten anything. I think we should stay."

Ellie sighed resignedly, rubbing her puffy eyes. "You're right. We'll leave in the morning."

"I'm glad. There's a small guest house here where you can sleep, and I'll give you something to eat on your way tomorrow," Jene suggested, smiling.

"Thank you for that," Dina said, grateful.

"It's the least I can do for you two. Jackson's always helped us when we needed help. I'm just returning the favour."

"Thanks," Ellie echoed Dina's sentiment.

"It's no problem. Do you two want anything to eat?" Jene asked warmly.

"No, we ate a bit just before we got here."

"Let me take you to the house then." She headed out, waiting for the girls to pick up their bags from where they left them.

"It's right here," Jene said as they walked through a couple of streets and stopped in front of the place. She pulled out a key from her jacket, before fumbling with the lock for a second. Then, she pushed the door open.

It was a small building. It reminded Ellie of her own by the compactness. Like Jene's house, the bedroom, too, was at the end. It was more than the two of them could have hoped for. The yellow lights almost made Ellie homesick.

"This is nice," Dina told Jene as she put her bag down.

Ellie sat down on a chair, pulling off her boots. Her feet felt numb from constantly being in the boots for the past few days.

"It's all yours for the night. There's nothing to eat, but there's water in there. I'll give you some food in the morning when I come by." Jene said. "And there are blankets on the bed." She hesitated for a second. "So… you're going after Joel then?"

"I have to," Ellie replied.

Jene looked at her and Dina before nodding and shutting the door behind her.

Ellie rubbed her cold feet, massaging sensation back into them. "I've never known Joel to disappear without a word."

"I was thinking the same thing," Dina replied with a sigh. She sat down quietly. "But, Jene said he told her that."

"I don't know, Dina. Something doesn't add up."

"Do you think this thing between you and Joel made him do this?"

Ellie shook her head slowly, stifling a yawn. "It wouldn't. I hope so, at least."

"Then what reason could he have had?" Dina folded her jacket over her chair.

"I don't know. I really don't." She leaned back; her head comfortable against the wood.

"We should find Tommy first. Maybe he found something."

"Yeah, let's do that," Ellie murmured.

Ellie opened her eyes. The lack of sleep fell heavily on her eyelids, making them heavy. She blinked rapidly in the darkness. The last thing she remembered was being on the chair. She had no idea when she came to the bed and under the thick blanket.

The sound of something falling caught her attention. She reached out with her hand and found Dina missing. Wondering what she was doing, Ellie got out of bed and walked to the door. It was very likely that Dina had dropped something in the kitchen while fetching some water. And Ellie could use some herself, now that she was up.

The door opened soundlessly, and suddenly; the sounds were much more amplified.

"Dina?" Ellie called out cautiously.

Her eyes widened as she saw the girl on the floor, straddled by a hooded person wielding a knife. The blade shone in the dim light, pointed towards her throat. Dina was desperately fighting to keep herself alive.

"What the fuck!" Without a second thought, Ellie covered the distance in a few short strides and slammed into the attacker, the knife clattering onto the floor. Ellie landed awkwardly, hitting her head on the kitchen cabinet. Dazed, she suddenly found it difficult to breathe. The two hands locked around her neck made sure of that. Then they were gone.

Wheezing, she coughed and sat up, her eyes streaming. Dina had the viciously struggling attacker in a futile choke hold. She was barely holding on.

In all the scuffle, the knife lay on the ground, unattended. Ellie hurriedly clambered towards it. She pointed it at the hooded figure, who promptly ceased to struggle.

"Who the fuck are you?" Ellie demanded.

Dina slowly released the surrendering intruder and lowered the hood.

"Jene?" Ellie's hand wavered as she recognised their would-be killer. "What…?"

"I don't understand," Dina whispered, aghast. She clutched her side where Jene had punched her. "Why would you do this?"

"I didn't want to, I swear," Jene confessed. "But I couldn't have you looking for Joel."

"What the fuck do you mean by that?" Ellie felt a chill. "What did you do to him?" she asked, the dread setting in.

"The only thing I could- I let them take him. They told me that no one else would be harmed if I gave them Joel."

"Them? Who's them?"

"I don't know who they are. I really don't!"

"So, we don't know if he's alive because of you and all you can tell us that you don't know who they are?" Ellie's breathing became rapid.

"Please, I didn't want to."

"Why did they want him? Tell me!"

"They didn't say anything," Jene said. "Please, you have to understand, I did it because I had to save my people's lives. They already killed Elaine and they were going to kill more of us."

"But what about Joel! Doesn't he mean anything? You said Jackson had helped you whenever you needed it. Maria and Tommy fucking helped you build this place. And you still sold him out!" Ellie's vision blurred, a salty taste settling on her lips. She leaned against the kitchen counter.

"There wasn't a choice," Jene begged. "I would never do this if there was another way."

"There was! Where did they take him?"

"I can't tell you. You can't go after them. No one was supposed to know about this. They still have Jude. They could come back for more of us. I can't let that happen."

"The same way you didn't let anything happen to Joel?" Ellie retorted.

"I'm sorry, Ellie. I know you wish I was dead. But think of what I went through."

"I don't give a fuck! Joel trusted you enough to be here and you betrayed him!"

"You would do the same if you were in my place," Jene said imploringly.

Ellie looked at Jene in disgust. "I wouldn't. I wouldn't hurt people who trusted me."

She stayed silent.

"You're going to tell us where they took him now," Ellie said in a menacingly low voice.

Jene hesitated. "They- they didn't say where they took him."

"Don't fucking lie to me!"

"I'm not! I'm not! You have to believe me."

Ellie took a deep breath, running a hand over her face. She felt overwhelmed with the happenings. "You need to-"

"Ellie!"

Her head snapped up. She saw Jene rush towards her. Instinctively, she tried to move out of the way. A sudden searing pain erupted in her arm. She struck blindly with her fist, making contact with Jene's face, but the woman wouldn't back away. She was like a cornered animal, her cold hands wrapped around Ellie's neck again, strangling the life out of her. Ellie kicked and punched, finding it harder to focus now.

Out of the blue, Jene's expression turned into one of shock. Her hands loosened and she stood still for an instant before crumpling in a heap. Dina stood just behind, taking shallow breaths as she held the large metal pot in her hand.

Ellie slumped down onto the floor. "I'm alright," she weakly protested as Dina rushed to her. She looked at her arm. There was a reddish gash on her shirt's sleeve. "Fuck, that hurts," she breathed.

"Hold still." Dina helped Ellie's arm out of the shirt to examine the wound. Jene had caught them off guard with a second, smaller blade. It was a nasty cut, with the blood slowly dripping out of it.

"How bad is it?" The adrenalin was wearing off now.

"Fixable. The bleeding's not bad so we just need to put some pressure on it and stitch it up." She rummaged around in her bag and retrieved a cloth, a bottle and a needle.

Ellie looked at Jene, laying still. She winced as Dina pressed the cloth onto the wound. "Fuck… she almost got us. Is she alive?"

"I think so," Dina said, checking Jene's pulse. "She's not dead. Just knocked out."

"She didn't have to do this. We could've helped her. Now we've got to find Joel before they do anything to him."

"I agree." Dina waited until the bleeding had stopped and then unscrewed the bottle cap and looked at Ellie. "Don't scream," she said, as she poured some of the liquid.

Ellie closed her eyes, exhaling sharply. She had received numerous injuries through her life, but she had never gotten used to the repercussions that came after them. She pressed her nails into her jeans.

"Okay, that's done," Dina told her. "You're doing fine. I just have to sew it up. You ready?"

"Mmhmm. Dina?"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks for being here with me. I don't think I could have done this alone. I'm only alive right now because of you. I know I was going to leave without saying anything, but… thanks for showing up."

Dina smiled. "Always," she replied, before bringing the needle close to Ellie's arm. She expertly maneuvered the tiny instrument in and out of Ellie's wound, pulling the torn flesh together. The alcohol had helped take some of the pain away, so it was bearable.

"There," Dina announced, tying a cloth around it. "You should be okay now."

"Yeah," Ellie replied, slowly moving her arm and putting it back through the sleeves. She stood up, holding the cabinet for support.

"What do you want to do now?" Dina asked.

Ellie looked around. There was still some time before daybreak.

"Let's see if she knows anything else."