The child sniveled and shivered as Appalachia’s cool, late night autumn breeze hit their cheeks. Cold, alone, and afraid. They slumped down against a tree, hugging themself for warmth. Salty tears dripped down their reddened cheeks, only making the child colder.

  The footsteps were so quiet, they never realized the stranger was there until he was right in front of them. The child looked up, reddened scleras contrasting with bright green eyes. The stranger looked down, face hidden behind an eerie porcelin mask and one beady eye looking at the child. He kneeled down, now face to face with the child. The child looked down and curled further in on themself.

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  A hand. The child looked back up. The stranger held out his hand. The child hesitated, before tentatively reaching out their own hand. The stranger’s hand was gray and cold and bony and the fingers faded into a black gradient and ended with sharp claws. The child momentarily pulled away. The stranger was patient, and kept his hand out. The child reached their hand out and grabbed the stranger’s hand, and didn’t pull away this time. The stranger stood, and gave the child’s hand a gentle tug. The child stood and looked back up at the stranger. The stranger turned, and began to walk away on long legs. The child started after the stranger, nearly running to keep up.

  The two walked, hand and hand, gradually disappearing into the dark abyss of night.