Chapter 47: The Fork in the Road
“We’ve landed on solid ground!” Irene proclaimed.
She stood atop a pitch-black boulder, struggling to hold a kitchen knife with both hands. Striving to strike what she believed was an imposing pose, she shouted into the empty depths of the valley.
Yu Sheng poked her tiny head with a finger, nearly knocking her off the rock. “Stop yelling. We haven’t found Foxy yet. You’ll attract ‘Hunger’s’ attention ahead of time.”
“That thing doesn’t sense by hearing,” Irene retorted, sulking as she hopped off the stone. She tightened the straps of the painting frame on her back and looked around. “It really is desolate here, and just like you said, creepy as anything. The sky looks like it’s covered by something.”
“Be extra careful,” Yu Sheng glanced at the petite doll perched on his shoulder. Although he knew she had many strange abilities, he couldn’t help but remind her, “If anything happens, make sure you protect yourself first. I don’t fear death, but you’re different. Neither of us can be sure if your soul can survive if this temporary body is destroyed.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll protect myself. And to be honest, ‘Hunger’ isn’t much of a threat to me,” Irene looked up. “Dolls generally aren’t affected mentally, and more importantly—I don’t get hungry.”
“Yeah, you don’t get hungry, but you sure know how to crave things. Even when I have a drink of water, you have to watch me,” Yu Sheng muttered, glancing down at his feet.
The large plastic bags he had brought were all there, which made him breathe a sigh of relief. The caution and thoroughness when opening the door had paid off. He had transported all the supplies through the gate; at least the start was smooth.