"So..." I flat line. Peaches has been walking in silence carrying me on her back for several minutes. I've been trying to hug her and just generally get her attention, but she seems thoroughly dejected. It feels so out of place. Why isn't she happy? I thought she'd be happier if we were alone. I thought she'd at least want to talk. I want her to be happy, at least happier...

"P- Peaches?" I say, unsure. Again she stays quiet. Why is this so uncomfortable? Why is she so upset!? I feel a tear rush down my cheek. I'm crying. Am I the one who's sad? Why!? Louis, you finally have everything you've ever wanted! You're finally with the most wonderful person you've ever met! Why are you sad!? Why are you ruining this!?

I try to quickly wipe away my few tears, but I can't stop my nose from stuffing up and I snivel slightly before I can help it. I can't make it any less obvious that I'm crying, so I might as well just show it. I topple forward onto Peaches' back and bury my face into her fur. She keeps somnombulating. I moan quietly. Why is she ignoring me? Why am I such a cry baby?

Finally, she lightly runs her trunk along my spines. I sob, shaking.

"My life is so stupid." I moan.

"Louis..." She says, concerned but still walking.

"I can't- I can't stop crying."

"Then cry."

"...okay."

Why are you ruining this? You're with her! You've gotten everything you've ever wanted!

Then why am I so sad?

"Are you okay, Lou?"

"I don't know... I think so... I'm just sad."

"Can I ask why?"

"I don't know that either..."

"Do you want a hug?"

"...please." I sniffle. She reaches her trunk back and scoops me into a cradle.

"I'm sorry you're so sad."

"So am I..."

"You know, you're a bit of a handful... or should I say 'trunkful...'"

I giggle and grin, still consumed with sadness. I yawn.

"What are we doing out here?" I ask.

"Walking."

"It's getting late."

"So?"

"Everyone's going to worry about us."

"Let them."

"...I'm tired."

"Lou, can I walk with you for a few more minutes?"

"Yes, but I'm still tired." I say, finally regaining control of my emotions.

"Are you really okay?"

"I... I mean... I-I just want to sleep right now... Everything's a mess... I've been such an ass to everyone lately... I'm sad... I just want to sleep."

"You can sleep while I walk if you really need it."

"Really?"

"Go ahead." She lifts me up to her face for a second. I reach out sloppily and try to pet between her eyes but stop halfway through to yawn again and stretch me arms. She continues, "You do seem pretty tired."

"Okay." I say. "Goodnight. Love you." I curl up in her trunk as she lowers me again and resumes walking.

"Goodnight." She whispers. "Sleep well."

...

I'm awoken by Peaches' gasp. She starts to walk faster, her trunk swaying greatly with me in it. It's just starting to get dark, though it won't be too dark for a while.

"What's wrong?" I ask, lifting my head up and rubbing my eyelids.

"There's... two tortoises over there." She says disconcertingly.

"And?" I ask, but I immediately see. There's two obviously wounded tortoises laying motionless out in front of us. I can't tell if they are alive.

"Are they okay?" Peaches asks.

"I can't see from here, but it doesn't look like it."

Hey, do you need help over there!?" She shouts. They don't respond. Peaches picks up her pace.

As we get closer, I can see the tortoises' faces more clearly. I can also see the two deep holes in each of their necks; definitely sabers. Then, to my horror, I remember who they are.

I say morbidly, "They're Amy's parents."


Hey guys. I've been doing school, so I have not had any time to work on this story. I'm posting what I've written since my last update and continuing to edit the older chapters. I'm making slow progress on the story, but it's probably going to take me a while before I update it again.

Anyway, this chapter's song is "Cellophane" by Sia (also the cover by Steam Powered Giraffe is awesome too).