Pearl

Dylan

I glance down at Ruby when she moves her arms, studying her before focusing on where I'm walking. She shivers, so I hold her closer and hope this godforsaken forest clears soon.

Ruby

We walk past the lake, serpents staring at us. I open one of my eyes and tense before taking a deep breath and closing my eyes tight. I kiss Dylan's arm and I start to feel that the clearing is in sight.

Dylan

I flash a smile at Ruby before remembering the ominous presence around us. Looking ahead, I sigh of relief when I see sunlight and quicken my pace to rejoin the crowd.

Ruby

We pass the forest and get to the safe house, the place we go for emergencies. It's like a castle, but is more sturdy. I open my eyes and study it, sighing.

Dylan

We reach the clearing and I set Ruby on her feet, wanting to prevent anymore weird looks from her father. I keep a grip on her hand as we walk, but let her have some space.

Ruby

I glance at Dylan and take a deep breath, my father leading us into the safe house. I don't look around like everyone else and instead just stayed by the entrance, taking a deep breath. I look at Dylan, "You wanna go relax in my room?"

Dylan

I look around and then back at her, nodding, "Okay."

Ruby

I let go of his hand and walk upstairs, and into my room. I close the door behind us and sigh, plopping down on the couch. I take my face in my hands and try to compose myself, "I lost...everything," I swallow before running a hand down my face, "Everything."

Dylan

I follow her upstairs and hesitate before sitting at her side and taking one of her hands again in comfort, "Everything material can be replaced. It's your memories that can't."

Ruby

I look at him for a few seconds before sighing, "I know..." I look down and run my thumb over my arm, quiet.

Dylan

I study her and try to think of what to say, sitting back, "Some of it could have survived. There's always intact items in wreckage like that."

Ruby

I nod, "Yeah. My father won't let me go back there yet, though," I whisper, still looking down, "Not safe."

Dylan

I watch her, "A day or two won't change what's buried beneath, Ruby. It'll still be there."

Ruby

I nod again, "I know that," I take a deep breath and glance up at him.

Dylan

I nod and study her when she looks up at me, "Then it's better to be safe than sorry. No one would be able to stand losing you."