She’d heard the advice to go out in pairs and all that. It wasn’t that Sunshine was feeling particularly rebellious; it was just that, for all the nice people she met, there wasn’t anyone she wanted there while she wrestled with what had happened to her this last week. And she had to get out. Her room simply didn’t get enough light. It probably could have had walls made from glass, and it still wouldn’t get enough light. Dark thoughts should only be considered while being kissed by the sun. She wished she could find her way back to Mel’s backyard again. He wouldn’t have minded if she did a bit of sunbathing. But then, he wasn’t here. No one she needed right now was.
This world was plagued with things like demons, but not her demons. Not the kind that would hold their breath and turn blue just to show you you weren’t alone and then offer you whiskey and tea when you get overwhelmed anyway. What did Pat think of her now? Did he believe she’d run out on all them after being asked not to? Would he assume it was from fear or malice? If she ever got home, would it be years later or minutes? How did this work anyway? It would be nice to have some warning – if she did get back, there was every possibility she’d get locked up in a lab somewhere and never get to experience the sun again.
Sunshine should have checked the communications one more time before going out that morning. She would have if she could have remembered that bigger things were happening than just the smaller events that affected her. But dammit, last night had been rough and her self-doubt pressed down on her until it was a near physical weight. She couldn’t help these people. She couldn’t even help herself. She was still half-convinced she’d snap and go nomad any minute now. Somehow, her dubious heritage would come bubbling up and she’d go for the nearest chainsaw or hatchet or table knife. Whatever she could get her hands on, and all her worst fears would be confirmed.
But seeing some scared little kid running up to one of the men she’d been chatting with online snapped her out of her reverie. The kid looked really freaked and reminded her so much of her brothers that it hurt. Sunshine followed and caught up quickly. “Hey, is everything alright? I know we’re supposed to keep our eyes open for trouble. Can I help?”