I can't sleep.

Nights in new places never treated you that well. You stared at the star-littered sky through the cracks of the building while your mind ran rampant with memories. Perhaps because you weren’t alone, you felt comfortable enough to recall personal moments in life.

The first time you botched a contract.

The first time you killed someone.

The first time someone hugged you for finding their child.

The first time you...almost **** yourself on a girl…

You turned to your side. Ashley and the others were sound asleep. Even Arabella and the other girls. Did everyone else have a clear conscience besides you? If that were the case, you weren’t exactly happy with yourself. You reached out for your gun and made your way to the exit to take a walk through the area. The snow that had previously fallen a few hours earlier covered the entire forest in a pure white color. The world's silence was much more pronounced than what you were used to. No matter. You went ahead and started to lean against the structure.

The light was very prominent as it reflected off the snow. The ground sparkled as much as the sky, giving the surface a surreal impression. It was warmer than expected too. Your breath misted with every exhale, but the air didn’t snap or gnaw at your exposed nose or fingertips. You circled the building and then paused in front of the entry/exit to lean against what was left of the entry. The wall moaned, threatening to cave in at first, but when you eased your whole weight against it, the integrity proved better than previously thought.

You stuffed your hands in your pockets, feeling wide awake. Strangely, you didn’t feel exposed or in danger. The forest was empty, and the lack of noise assured you of that. It was a welcoming change for you since the last few days had been busier than usual. You couldn’t help but think of Delilah as you sink further into your thoughts again. You eventually drifted your gaze upward towards the dark sky. The world above you was untouched by the disaster made by man. It was beautiful and bright. What was Delilah up to? Sleeping, probably. Perhaps she was in bed thinking too?

You closed your eyes and relaxed. Inhale. Exhale. Repeat. Clearing your mind, you tried your best to find a sense of inner peace so you could return to the others and find rest. Your attention was brought back to your surroundings when Mikko and Gwendolion poked their heads out.

“I hope you’re not trying to run away,” you sighed, noticing that they still had their wrists tied together. “What are you two doing out here?”

Mikko stepped forward. “You weren’t inside.”

Gwendolion stepped closer too, but she chose not to say anything. Mikko continued. “What’s wrong?”

You shrugged. You didn’t want to talk to them, but then you supposed if they were going to be around, you best get used to it… “I got some things to think about.”

They both surrounded you—one on your left and then another on your right. You might’ve tried to break free of their pincher if they looked even remotely threatening. “What are you thinking about?”

“Sex, ****, rocks, and snow.” You sarcastically tell Mikko, which surprisingly prompts her to laugh slightly. She stuffs her hand into her breast pocket to present you with a pack of cigarettes. An older package, perhaps from the ’50s? Anything that wasn’t from the ’80s now was deemed vintage…

You watch Mikko offer it. “Do you smoke?”

You looked at her– the brightness of her eyes twinkled in the current setting. You swallowed and looked around before looking at the pack she handed you.