METRO 1497 - (Hours later) -CAMP BARN-

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrN3In4R183

(Hours later)

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPX3rgwbGV

-CAMP BARN-

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU74YllbWzp

Everyone is asleep in their bags inside the main hall tent. Lanterns glow faintly through the carpeted walls, and the wind outside hums against the fabric.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwz6b52S3S

Metro can’t sleep.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9FPkxFFGP

He slips out of the tent quietly, boots crunching in the thin snow. The horse fire crackles low, barely alive.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGg7OTLK0lg

He stops.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvF4LLtU83y

Kathryn stands beside her horse, her black hood pulled low over her face, unwrapping and rewrapping gear with sharp, frustrated movements.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYbYzunKxC

Metro walks over.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXUotea1gS

Metro:

“What’s up?”

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7GqTGBBxb

Kathryn jumps, hand flying to her chest.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsI776qkdJ

Kathryn:

“Jeez— you scared me…”

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrM2cGQPmp1

She turns away, jaw tight, stuffing blankets into Mandy’s saddle bags. Metro watches her for a moment.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw79O3aYHuv

(a beat)

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkgZeweg13

Metro:

“I think you should stay.”

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCniJ8mURV

Kathryn smirks without looking at him, still packing.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTsNdzUWUF

Kathryn:

“And why’s that?”

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Ht8mcuQVd

Metro crouches by the fire, feeding it sticks until the flames rise.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscABODfxbr

Metro:

“We need you here. You're talented.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjYe2epNoe

(beat)

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9PNwH458z

‘…You’re charming… and funny.”

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9T8FNko33P

Kathryn slowly turns her head, eyes narrowing. She steps forward and crouches next to his face closely.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeI9u907wR

Kathryn:

“Oh, you think I’m charming, do you?”

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9UVIpnKZZ

Her expression shifts—playful gone, serious returning like a mask sliding into place. She looks down at him as he sits by the fire.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4VEyU5p54

Kathryn:

“I don’t think your girlfriend wants me here.”

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7lcBoGXwM

Metro smiles up at her, still poking at the fire.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYbIvKOZ7K

Metro:

“That’s because you’re a beautiful girl.”

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYKzsl5sRQ

(another beat)

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xT2cErrwQ

‘Rose knows I love her. She should know I only have eyes for her.”

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVw4W4w39RA

Kathryn freezes, stunned.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRbieuqXND

Kathryn:

“That’s exactly my point. I don’t want to cause stress. Or to become a home‑wrecker.”

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1SR3Ss4Jz

Metro:(looks offended)

“That’s extreme.”

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3EtgJTicC

He spears a fish head on a stick and holds it over the flames.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfdMG1sr6n

Kathryn:

“It’s the truth.”

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJIsL3nypA

Metro:

“What is?”

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsyUd0FKma

Kathryn:

“That I can have any man I want.”

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNIQv5zg8U

Metro laughs—loud, unfiltered.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6I9mIClDnd

Metro:

“You’re delusional.”

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFo8Hxck4B

Kathryn’s eyes widen.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaozqcsPUj

Kathryn:

“Excuse me.”

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnr3oFcrmZ

Metro:

“You heard me. Get your mind right, or get out of here.”

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlujbxNMsI8

Kathryn yanks her bow off Mandy’s saddle and draws an arrow, aiming it right at Metro’s face.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SFJLE27BA

He doesn’t flinch.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkclfFqd2N

Metro:

“Did I offended you? Why is your bow drawn?”

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX08VmflzmV

Kathryn:

“Because you’re a prick.”

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5blerCXN24

(a short silence)

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6NtJmtqUN

Metro:

“Maybe.”

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCXPIizXX6

He tears off a piece of the cooked fish head and holds it out to her.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWYxXm4lg7

Metro:

“Fish?”

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDURxECuy5V

Kathryn’s face scrunches in disgust.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8oCkhw32x

Metro:

“Suit yourself.”

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW89npFJ7ei

The fire pops. Snow drifts down. Kathryn lowers her bow—slowly—and Metro keeps eating like nothings happened.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTKNjIuU8H

The night settles around them.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyb8Yq9uVG6

Kathryn lowers her bow slowly, the string relaxing with a soft thrum. She exhales hard through her nose, annoyed at him, annoyed at herself, annoyed at how easily he gets under her skin.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffdNCwfShd

Then—without asking—she drops down beside him.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqTkr1ugkg

Not close.

But not far either.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IPwbFyrNI

Just… beside him.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpREvu4zR6

The fire crackles between them, throwing orange light across her hood and his face.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpHxice95E

Kathryn pulls her knees up, arms wrapped around them, staring into the flames. She pulls her hood back fully now, letting the firelight hit her face. Her breath fogs in the cold air as she stares into the flames, voice low and rough around the edges.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LU1LycyNE

Kathryn:

“I’ve never really fit in anywhere. People always turn on you in the end. It’ll happen the same here too… just give it time. I don’t wanna be here when things get out of hand you know?”

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrdol2G5AK

Metro doesn’t interrupt.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniQQRBwY0t

He just looks at her once, then takes another slow bite of the fish head, chewing like he’s listening with his whole body.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdn9Cm8YbLf

Kathryn hugs her knees tighter.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbrN3lbB0h

Kathryn:

“My brother told me about your skills with magic… but he never mentioned how kind you were.”

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZU6QkVmdCS

She glances at him, almost accusingly, like kindness is a trick she’s trying to catch him in.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRY4d8m9de5

Kathryn:

“ Though I see what you’re doing here. With the group. With Rose. With everyone. You’re building something. And I’m willing to help…’

“But why are you really asking me to stay?”

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmiu6XqxUo

The question hangs in the cold air as Kathryn stares into him.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqbdzCYvx3

Metro inhales slowly, eyes on the fire as it pops and sends sparks drifting upward.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTanY4YLGc

Metro:

“Because I trust you.”

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfiuFYpC4A

He says it simply, like it’s a fact he’s lived with for a while.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRrJ32O8bW

Metro:

“And… I like you.”

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HMu3lNmrY

He gestures vaguely, searching for the right words.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZy5pcvxGOc

“You’ve got a decent heart. More than you let people see.”

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zxbU2Rlxd

Kathryn looks away, jaw tight.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUEjT3tPKz

Metro keeps going.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAufiW1rgO

Metro:(voice low, honest conviction)

“I’m always surprised at your charity. Even though you’re afraid of commitment. Afraid of staying anywhere too long.”

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLRYsHCEq7

He pokes the fire with a branch, watching the flames rise.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo34vtdFlbK

Metro:

“I get that. I’ve lived that way too. Running. Keeping distance. Telling myself it was safer.”

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpCmzNykOX

He finally looks at her — really looks.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4H7SFcKOW

Metro:

“But for the first time… I’ve found decent people around me. Not perfect. But a family. Something real.”

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKq0XmNTY2q

(beat)

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLh8i7g4J9

Metro:

“I want you to stay… because I believe in you.”

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8VEkMZTDg

The words settle between them like warm embers.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqg47tP4FX4

Her voice softens, barely above a whisper.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNv9NpiRkzp

Kathryn:

“I just don’t want to be a burden to anyone…”

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB09DyARP7j

Metro shifts, poking the fire until sparks jump upward. He doesn’t rush his answer. He never does.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9QdZ3aOKr

Finally, he speaks.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFk3K2vvxu

Metro:

“You’re not a burden.’

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1NOXvI9hY

(another beat)

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWurtUFwkw

‘Your a blessing…”

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLpVcRfsNw

Kathryn smiles, unsure.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFtLvc8Naz

They both look at the fire.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtiubcbQGo

Kathryn’s voice is barely above a whisper, but it cuts through the cold.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUFV0LlL4J

Kathryn:

“I believe in you…but you shouldn’t trust anyone.”

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IHpZHSC5S

Metro exhales through his nose, not annoyed — just steady.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbfWxszNYl

Metro:

“Well, I beg to differ...

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdhjh3hJZM

He looks at the fire.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiKChQHmSM

Tonight’s been… enlightening. I'll keep your words in mind, if you do mine.”

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jDkAFrvF9

He stands, brushing snow off his pants.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4jIL6pBPs

“Let’s exchange more in the morning. It’s warmer in the main tent. Come on.”

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdXXw0klWV

He extends his hand.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOws1KxaLnR

Kathryn turns away sharply, hood shifting with the movement — pissed, defensive, embarrassed, all of it tangled together.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2eqCouIYv

Metro’s expressions releases annoyance then he throws his hand out again, more stubborn this time.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XxMU0KDLN

He doesn’t say anything.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80rlLLMe7w

He just waits.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeA8eB1tgFZ

Hand stretched forth.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlgGuMi1Tm

Kathryn stares at his hand like it’s a trap.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gJKLRTRm9

Then she sighs — long, dramatic, stiff.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxZPhwDjsJ

But she grabs, and holds.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOT6E0czHnJ

He pulls her up gently, and they walk toward the glowing tent. Inside the warmth hits immediately — lanterns flickering, carpets muffling every sound, bodies bundled in sleeping bags like cocoons.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WanAg7aqc

Metro steps over people quietly and drops down beside Rose, curling into his bag. He exhales, eyes closing almost instantly.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQkugyhvyP

Kathryn finds an empty sleeping bag near the far wall. She doesn’t even bother unrolling it neatly — she just drops into it, hood half‑off, exhausted.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kzEKNszDd

Silence settles.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIeyMGdF2T

Except for Rose’s

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyOklJnusz

Her eyes are open.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AaxuF4jmT

She’s lying on her side, facing Metro. Her gaze flicks past him — to Kathryn settling in across the tent. Then back to Metro.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeVNqjw9iA

Her expression is unreadable:

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0btrn4RNIR

Just… watching.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsOeOhtIFr

Studying him.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScW1nX1EeC

Studying Kathryn.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDEUthE8SP

Studying the space between them.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewK8VghO2I

Metro breathes slow and even, already drifting.

Rose doesn’t blink. The lantern beside her flickers, casting shadows across her face — soft, warm, but alert.

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eHM0qVxeA

20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZVUGozNGK
20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8wUMxaSQA

ns216.73.216.38da2

Reading Theme:

Font Size:

Line Spacing:

Paragraph Spacing:

Load the next issue automatically