Regroup, Reuse, Recycle - Chapter 1

The cold night air hit me first when we stepped out of the cave. The winds much sharper than when I first entered. My breath puffed into little clouds as we walked across the sand. Our steps left a broken trail in the frosted grains. Gil carried the boy with ease, his work as a fisherman giving him such a broad build. Though with all of this, he held a tightened jaw. I couldn’t stop looking at him. Not Gil, but the boy rather. His hair was a wild mess, matted with salt, and his catlike ears twitched faintly, just the same as when he slept in the cave. You could see the wear and tear on his body through his bruises and bony structure. My stomach twisted imagining the sorts of things he’d seen to end up in such a position.

Would I have been left like that if no one came for me? The thought made me clutch the little crab closer. Its soft glow bounced off my boots seamlessly, lighting the area around us. I took a moment to glance up at Gil. “Will he be okay?” I asked. Gil didn’t return the gaze, facing forward like before. “Hard to say. He’s breathing, that’s enough for now. But he’ll need care. The doctor isn’t available at this hour.” His eyes slowly trailed to the boy, inspecting his physique. “The real question is…where did he come from? I’d never seen someone like him out in these parts.”

Luisa walked close on my other side; her hand firmly wrapped around mine as though I might dart off again. Her silence was louder than any type of scolding that could be offered. Every so often, she glanced at me. Her eyes narrowed like she wanted to say something; but the words never came. I wasn’t sure which was worse, her words or the silence that followed. Small shivers ran down my back at the thought. If she felt like this, I could only imagine how our parents would react.

The village lamps glowed faintly in the distance, small bits of warmth within the darkness. I slowed my steps, feeling a swirl of emotions fill me. A sense of relief yet a looming dread took over as my stomach continued to turn in knots. Dread pooled in my chest. What if Mother and Father are waiting? What if Luisa tells them everything? What if they look at me the same way she did in the cave? Worry filled my body with each passing step.

We’d finally rounded the last bend in the road, the shop being within sight with two silhouettes waiting in the distance. Mother stood with her nightdress and a cloak over her shoulders; her eyes darted towards us the second we came into view. Father was beside her, holding a lantern in one hand, and in the other, the hilt of a knife he’d often carry when going out for work. I could see from their faces that they weren’t the most pleased. I messed up, big time.

“Chloe!” Mother’s voice cracked as she rushed forward. “Luisa, thank the heavens! You had us worried sick. What—” Her words came to a halt, noticing the boy held in Gil’s arms. Her gaze looked over them before spotting the small crab on my shoulder. Father stepped forward, steady but tense. His gaze sweeping over all of us before finally settling on me. “What in the heavens happened, Chloe?” His question stern yet worried. I opened my mouth, but no words came. It felt as if they’d tangled within my throat, refusing to be let out. Luisa tightened her grip on my hand, squeezing it harder, and for once…I’d been grateful for it.

Gil adjusted the boy in his arms, giving my father an acknowledging nod. “We found her near the caves that were farther along the shores. Se’s safe, but…we ran into trouble. A Brineclaw.” His tone was serious, as if the weight of his words emanated within the group. “It was bigger than any I’ve ever seen in my years as a Fisherman. We killed it, but this boy—” He slightly lifted his limp figure. “He helped fight it. It seemed he’d protected Chloe from it but was hurt in the process. From what I can gather, at least.”

Mother’s eyes widened, her gaze switching between me, the boy, and the crab on my shoulder, who seemed to like to wave his claw innocently at any given moment. Her face paled, but she stepped forward quickly, brushing back my hair with trembling hands. “You’re safe…that’s what matters. We’ll sort out the rest of the details later. Everyone, inside.” Her words hit me with a wave of relief, but the worry swelled once more. Luisa’s grip tightened again, as if reminding me that “later” would come much sooner than I probably wanted.

I swallowed hard, sneaking one last glance at the boy. Gil carried him past, as the lanternlight fluttered over his face. He was so hurt, yet he fought…Harder than I ever could have.

“Who are you?” I whispered, letting a small peep out of my brain. I couldn’t help but wonder more about him, and why’d he show up in such a place. Was this the crabs doing? Or maybe even the Keeper of the Pond’s? A faint wonder crossed my mind. “Why does this feel so weird?”