There's Nothing to See (8)

"Ha."

"Ha ha."

"HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!"

"HAAAAHHH!!!!"

I couldn't help but laugh at my own stupidity. To be seduced by the sweet alure of prose when my spirit was down. All to convince me to take her hand.

I should've noticed.

"What's so funny?" Adeline's hand trembled slightly, her tone carrying a slightly sharp edge. It seemed like she tilted her head too, though I could've just imagined it.

"Does joining you include the other four as well?" I pointed at four other trees. "You know, the kidnappers that dragged me into this mess?"

Gulp.

"I knew it," I muttered beneath my breath.

It was all just a giant conspiracy. A plot for Adeline to recruit people who could fight.

I should've figured it out sooner. The people of the back alleys knew to avoid one another. There was no way one of them would willingly drag a bystander into their mess, especially a mask-wearing female who radiated suspicion. What had happened was something out of a fairytale, clearly meant to tug on the heartstrings. A ruse that could turn into reality.

Though, that begs the question. Why did they put on such a show? Why are they trying to recruit people? Adeline's probably has a number of other people convinced; I can't be the only one she tried it on.

Maybe there was a reason for their plight. A reason they needed a hero.

But I didn't care.

I wasn't a hero. I wasn't a savior. I was only trying to survive. If I helped someone, or if I hurt them, then that was that. It wouldn't change anything. I'd keep on heading south.

And then one day... one day I would finally be able to stop. To settle down and rest.

I didn't believe it was truly possible. A pipe dream of a young girl who had lost hope.

But still, hopefully there, I could finally stop running.

So, I stood up and put on my mask, walking right past her outstretched hand.

"Thanks, but no thanks."