Oh, god. How long did I sleep? I must've passed out and sleep like a rock. Damn, my eyes are burning. Wait ... Last night... Oh yeah. I got lost in the woods, met a strange dude after he scared the living daylights out of me, and he promised me some snacks for today. I feel some mix of comforting jitters sinking in. It hasn't been long since I've moved in and I wasn't exactly rubbing shoulder with my neighbors but I still talked to them. I never heard them mention anything about a man living in the forest. And if they knew, they would've given me a heads-up and I probably would've reacted differently. ...Right? Or was I overthinking this?

Lilith: "I should probably check my phone."

She held the button on the side, tapping her foot as she waited for it to light up. Her home screen brightness as the notifications trickle onto it, her eyes enchanted by the old wallpaper that she never change of her brother's cat.

Oh- an unknown number...

???: "Hey."

???: "Sorry to bother you. What chapter are we studying for Prof. Mocroix?"

???: "This is Erika btw."

Ah, right! Erika, she's a part of my English class... I think we exchanged phone numbers because our professor recommended it. Initially, I didn't plan to ask for anyone's number, especially since I didn't know anyone in that class. I barely even talked to them. Erika was the one to approach me first. She wasn't talkative either, only answered questions sometimes and gave snarky remarks on a whim. I didn't know much about her, other than she'd be a constant center of attention with her outfits. She had a keen eye for fashion and she would constantly amaze with how she would walk into class. She'd breeze in effortlessly like a runway model. Some outfits were her projects for her fashion design class, others were simply her wanting to look good that day. It was pretty surprising to find out that she was majority in interior design. She'd be the chicest interior designer that's for sure. Erika seemed like she had her shit together, from what I could glean from the few times I spoke to her.

Lilith: "Chapter 4"

As Lilith sent off her text, a mixture of excitement and reluctance washed over her. She let out a groan, summoning the willpower to rise from her bed. It would have been tempting to simply remain cocooned in the comfort of her covers and snooze away the day, but she fought off that desire, not wanting to come across as rude. It's been the first time in a while that's she's been motived to do something other than rot in her room.

Erika: "Thanks =⁠^.^⁠="

I giggled at her response. That was kinda cute. Before I go out, I need to refuel for the day. I reached out to the fridge, pulling with a bit of force thanks to how hanky the handle had become over time.

Lilith: "I should get that looked at."

Everything around this house needed some touch-ups though. Maybe I shouldn't have turned down the ideia of having a roommate. But I do enjoy my privacy a lot and I wasn't keen on losing that anytime soon... I'm afraid they'll mess with my medicine or even worse; my stuffed animals. The cool air of the fridge nicked the tip of my nose, as always, as my eyes searched for food. It was practically empty. Toaster waffles. Quick and easy.

I squeeze my eyes shut, feeling attacked by the blinding glow of the sun.

Lilith: "... It's too bright today."

I walk to the other side of the road, frisking to the overgrown forest again. I stuff my phone in my pocket. It wouldn't be of any use since my service couldn't reach in the middle of the woods. I walk through my familiar path, trying to remember where exactly the guy wanted to meet. His instruction had been rather vague, simply "meet him in the woods" without any details. As she pondered the situation, Lilith couldn't help but realize how strange and sketchy it sounded. A knot of anxiety gripped her stomach as she began to question her decision to venture into the woods alone. Maybe she should turn back, her instincts warning her of the potential danger. As she continued to walk, Lilith became lost in thought, her surroundings blurring into an unfamiliar haze. With a sense of resignation, she knew there was little else she could do but sit and wait for Alan to find her. She settled down, her gaze scanning the area, hoping that his arrival would offer some sort of clarity to this unexpected meetup in the midst of the woods.

???: "Oh- You actually came..."

Lilith's attention was snatched away as she heard Alan's voice once more, an undertone of disbelief lacing his words. She turned to face him, her own eyes meeting his. Yet what caught her off guard was the smile that slowly spread across his face. There was no mistaking the genuine happiness in his expression, and it left Lilith feeling somewhat taken aback.

Lilith: "You though I was gonna ditch you or something?"

???: "W-Well... Maybe?"

A nervous chuckle escaped him, his fingers scratching at the back of his neck in a self-conscious gesture.

Lilith: "Like I said, I owe you one. And it's good to get out of the house after a while."

Lilith couldn't resist a small chuckle at his initial display of nerves, and to her surprise, he soon loosened up a bit and joined in the laughter. Yet as the moment passed, the conversation faltered again into an awkward silence.

Lilith: "Oh! Um, I didn't catch your name, stranger."

???: "... I didn't throw it."

... I couldn't help but laugh, trying my best to stifle it.

Lilith: "That was... Pretty bad. Heh..."

I struggle to finish my sentence, every vowel would be interrupted by my laughing fit. It wasn't even that clever or funny.

???: "Alan."

Lilith: "Alan?"

Alan: "Yup! Alan Orion Constance Oateye Vimont the Third." ... Excuse me?

Lilith: "Oh. Is that your full name?"

I squint my eyes at him.

Alan: "Heheh nope! It's just Alan Orion."

Lilith: "Makes more sense."

I shot back at him in a snarky tone. Alan proceeds to place his arms behind his back, flashing his rather sharp teeth.

Alan: "Are ya gonna tell me your name, doe-eyes?"

He leans in, not too close for discomfort but enough that I could take a good look at his features. He had scars on both sides of his cheeks, they were small, and one looked like a marked ‘x’ on his face. His shaggy hair had bleached tips on some ends. Then my eyes fall onto his staring directly at me like some new creature he discovered. Both of them are different in color. I couldn't help but feel a chill run down my spine.

Lilith: "Ahem... Lilith."

Alan: "Now that's a fancy name! Pleasure to meet ya, Lilith."

Alan's hand reached out to shake hers. She freezes, not knowing what to do and then miraculously managed to force herself to shake his hand like a normal person! Wow...

Alan: "So... About those snacks-"

Lilith: "Oh right! W-we should get some, there is this convenience store arou-"

Alan: "The Food Box, right? I go there from time to time!"

Lilith: "And I would assume you know your way out of the woods, right? Hopefully?"

Alan chuckles, sensing my anxiety about being able to get out of the forest.

Alan: "You seem to get lost easily, huh? What would you do without me, doe-eyes?"

He keeps calling me that, even after I told him my name. I felt weird about that... My eyes shifted around and I began to laugh, I was merely trying to brush off his comment. Come to think of it, It was pretty creepy for him to call a girl that he just met like this.

Alan: "Alright! I'll lead the way!"

Lilith: "Great."

We both walked together or more like, I followed wherever Alan walked. On the occasion, he would stop and mutter to himself under his breath. I could've sworn I heard him counting the trees, pointing at them before smiling at me and beginning to walk again. It made me curious about just how he seemed to know where we were. Despite how far we walked, it all looked the same to me. It was starting to scramble my brain. I wasn't shaking, I wasn't tearing up... I'm... Normal! I'm so glad I'm not having a panic attack.

Lilith: "So what's your whole... thing here?"

Alan: "Huh?"

Lilith: "I mean- I'm assuming you live on your own out here, not anywhere in town. It's none of my business but how come no one has ever told me about you?"

Alan looks up to the sky, giving some though to my question, as his arms droop side to side as he walks. He didn't appear to be slowing down.

Alan: "I guess no one really acknowledges me or knows that I live here. Everyone here kinda keeps to themselves here, which I appreciate."

Lilith: "Wait... Do you not have any friends?"

Alan shook his head.

Alan: "Nope. The most faces I've seen are when I visit the store to restock on food."

Lilith: "Family?"

There was a small pause, but Alan didn't stop walking.

Alan: "Left them a long time ago."

Lilith: "Oh..."

Alan: "Dunno... I figured that I lived better by myself. Nobody bothers me, I don't bother them."

Lilith: "Sooo you're a hermit?"

Alan chuckles, scrathing his cheek.

Alan: "Ya could say that."

She nodded, understanding Alan in a way. Not wanting to interact with others, living peacefully out in the woods. And then a funny thought came to her mind.

Lilith: "But you do realize that you are talking to me, right? Not very hermit-like. Did I break your zero human interact record?"

Alan: "I guess you did. I don't mind you being my first..."

It didn't take us long to get to the convenience store, I didn't think I minded the distance. Didn't know a conversation with someone I knew for less than 24 hours could be so distracting. The obnoxiously bright lights of the store pulls me out of the trance. There were a couple of people in the store, mostly older men getting cases of beer or students getting a quick lunch. A worker mutters 'welcome' as we step in, not bothering to look up from their phone.

Alan: "Well, pick anything you want. It's on me."

Lilith: "Oh mes étoiles ! Please don't do this! I can pay just fine for myself."

Alan: "Pff- Don't mention it, doe-eyes. It's no biggie."

I perked up as soon as he said that. My eyes scanned around every corner of the store, wondering what I could get... An ice cream! Alan flashes me a cheeky smile, he seemed giddy that we got the same thing. I looked back and saw that Alan was also scavenging around for snacks. Both of us were smiling brightly like children running amok the isles, not even bothering to get a basket for our collection.

Alan: "Got everything you need?"

Lilith: "Mhmm!"

Alan dropped everything to the counter to pay, only to receive an eye roll from the cashier. They seemed like they just wanted to be done with their shift. To clock out and go home. We quickly leave the store after paying, bags filled with a bunch of goodies. He mumbles out as Lilith enjoyed her last meal of that day. She expected him to reach for the bags and start rummaging through their snacks but the suddenly sound of Alan's unzipping startled her, causing her to jump and grip her ice cream tightly, staining her fingers with the creamy dessert. Her eyes widened with a mixture of surprise and unease. She attempted to regain her composure by adjusting her stance, trying to appear calm.

Lilith: "Geez, I-I... When did you get those?"

Alan: "When they weren't looking."

Alan pulled a chocolate bar out of his coat, his fingers fidget with the plastic wrapper as he tears it open. She let out a soft sigh.

Lilith: "You... Stole it?"

He then takes a bite, smiling proudly to himself.

Alan: "Yup! I said it was on me."

Alan continues to munch on his chocolate, proceeding wordlessly to fish another one out.

Alan: "Boop."

He playfully nudges it on the tip of my nose, tantalizing me to partake in his stolen loot.

Alan: "I promise it'll taste better."

She was a bit hesitant, but she did end up taking the chocolate and unwrapping it. It was just candy. What's going to be so especial about it? That's what she thought until... He was right. It does taste better.

She let out a genuine giggle. Her hand made its way to hide her lips as she chewed the chocolate.

Alan: "Ya see!"

She still couldn't believe that he had stolen candy. While it was kind of impressive that he did it so nonchalantly and with ease, she still couldn't help but feel bad that he went out of his way to grab enough to share. Offer him a taste of her treat. It only seems fair, right? I motion my ice cream towards him. I was shaking it to signal Alan to indulge a bit. He tilts his head like a confused dog before getting the hint.

Alan: "Oh."

He leans forward. She feels his hand graze against hers, pulling her a little bit closer to take a bite. His lips smacked, he takes a moment to savor the taste. Then his eyes gaze up at her, staring with a smirk spread on his face. Lilith's gaze darted away for a moment, taking a small step back. Her thoughts raced, and she struggled to process the situation. "Breathe," her inner voice urged. "Not everything is about you, Lily."

Alan: "You have good taste, doe-eyes."

Alan then steps away, continuing to eat his forbidden chocolate.

Lilith: "Ah... Wait-!"

She called out before following him right on his tail. They kept walking for a few minutes, their bags of snacks almost empty, the only thing left was wrappers and packaging. We seemed to have lost track of the time. As I finally began to notice the sun was about to set. It was really quiet, with only the occasional rustling of the leaves from the trees and the rush of the water growing louder.

Lilith: "Martian Lake?"

She noted, seeing a rather silly-looking sign of an alien. During her short time here, she had never visited the lake, but it was the first thing she would see when driving here. The crystal blue water and soft sand that almost looked pink thanks to the sunset caught her eyes.

There was a beat of silence, and she looked over to Alan, who seemed distracted. He was hunched over the sand, he seemed to be looking for something.

Alan: "Oh! Um... From what I've heard, back in the 60s people allegedly saw an alien walking around here. In a blink of an eye, the alien ran into the woods and it was never seen since before."

Sounds like a typical Doomsbury legend...

Lilith: "Do you believe the story?"

Alan stood up straight again, picking up a rock and observing it. He simply shrugged at my question.

Alan: "After living here, I would believe."

Lilith: "So you have seen some things?"

Alan: "Gosh, you could say that."

Alan tosses the stone up a couple of times in the air before flinging it across the lake. My eyes follow it, and to my astonishment, the stone skips across the water with accelerating speed, never stopping. I squinted my eyes the further and further it got until it was nothing more than a speck. Then it was gone. Alan let out a satisfied hum and mouth hung open in astonishment. Alan approaches me, picking up a random stone as he did. He examined it, turning it over in his hand.

Lilith: "Woah... You're so good at this! I have no idea how to make a rock go that far... Heh, I'm terrible at it."

Alan: "Aww, don't bum ya'self out. I'll teach ya can, Doe-eyes. Here."

Alan approaches her, picking up a random stone as he did. He examined it, turning it over in his hand.

Alan: "You can't just use any rock. It has to be very flat. And there's gotta be a lil' nudge' for you to place your fingers and grab onto."

Then, he grabs her wrist gently, handing the rock, and places it in the palm of her hand to hold.

Alan: "Now, before you do anything. People tend to throw it like a frisbee, don't throw it with your wrist, sling your whole arm"

She focused, taking into consideration what Alan told her. Lilith feels a lot more confident in this throw. She takes a deep breath and toss it again. ... DID IT! It was a lot slower and didn't go as far as Alan but still! She cheers and Alan gives her a thumbs up. They walked back to her place. The sun had already set with the moon and the stars taking its place. She stretched, bending and stretching her legs after all that walking.

Lilith: "Hmm... You know, I haven't been out much lately, so thanks for today. I had a great time with you... It was fun."

Alan: "Did ya, now?"

With a slight nod, she stood at her doorstep, her hand gripping the doorknob tightly. In that moment, she couldn't help but steal a glance over her shoulder, meeting his gaze.

Lilith: "Could we possibly do this again? I-if you don't mind, of course."

Alan’s eyes widened in response, his usually composed self momentarily taken by surprise. His pupils seemed to dilate slightly, and a blush of pink spread across his cheeks. He found himself at a loss for words, his usual confident façade faltering for just a moment. The unexpected sight of Lilith standing there, her gaze meeting his, had triggered a reaction he hadn't anticipated.

Alan: "W-we should..."

She turned the doorknob, opening the door just a crack. She spun around to face him once more, offering a small wave and a smile. The unexpected gesture hinted at a softer side of her—a fleeting moment of vulnerability that seemed to contrast with the guarded persona she usually displayed.

Lilith: "See ya around, Alan~! Bye!"

Much like yesterday, as soon as she entered the house, it was as if all her energy drained out of her body and soul. She didn't even bother to go upstairs to her bedroom. She leaned back on the couch, releasing a deep sigh, as small tears began to form in the corners of her eyes. Her hands moved up to the top of her head, and suddenly, to her astonishment, she perceived a distinct sensation: a hand intertwining with hers. The unexpected touch caused her to gasp, her eyes widening in surprise. With a sense of purpose, she rose from her seat and made her way to the nearby bathroom, seeking solace and a place dark enough that she could barely see anything. The sound of her sobs and heavy breathing echoed through the room, betraying the depth of her emotions and the whirlwind of thoughts raging within her. As she entered the bathroom, she found temporary solace in the stability of the sink. With determination, she reached beneath the sink, opening a storage container that held a bottle of pills, taking in her hand. Probably three... She at least thinks there were three. Lilith doesn't have the habit of counting, just of shoving it down her throat to forget and be happy all day. So happy that all the dust that came out of her eyes that were accumulated inside that rotten, almost dead, hopeless, slender body. A small coughing panic from her throat, as if a hand were scratching inside her skin, crawling through the layers as she suffered. She slid her hand inside the drawer for a moment, searching like a desperate, grabbing an inhaler. With it in her hand, she held it for dear life with both hands, bringing it close to her lips and inhaling the cold, yet refreshing air from the small object. Finally, she took a deep breath, her hands clung to the sides of the sink. Looking at the mirror, she saw it; she saw that disgusting person who hurt her everyday, the only one who gossiped the most about her life, the only one who knew everything, the only one who knew how to break her head into little pieces, only to put them back together and break them all over again, that one person who cut her entire arm as a way to remember that feeling. Herself. It was satisfying, a great relief, a punishment she felt was the most fair for herself. Her arms, legs, and waist burned all day, burning like a flame even if she tried to listen, a needle that pricked every time she tried to forget. Despite this, the cuts did not hurt after getting used to them, only when she stopped doing this act for a long time. Those cuts... Were those scars or did she do it herself? Answers to both questions: she caused it. All of it. Both of them were in equal numbers of wounds by that point.

None of this impressed, none of it matters after all. Because it was a great day, wasn't it Lily?

Lilith: "I did... I did it."

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And if you've made it this far, I have nothing but gratitude for you taking the time or precious time you have left to read this. Good/night/afternoon day!