She was scared. That was all Red could say for herself. Walking through the woods alone was the scariest thing she did. Peering into the distance she saw a house, she had never seen this house before. She wondered if she had a new neighbor, or she was terribly lost. She was still in a mood from the man from the shop, she had never had someone so mean speak to her. She paced in circles in an unfamiliar part of the woods. It truly shook her up so only when the boy was in front of her did she notice him. He stared into her eyes for a moment, their lips almost touching. Finally he spoke. "Whatcha doin' here?" He whispered. "My mother's asleep so you best be quiet." She was amazed at his manners, she hadn't been scolded or shoved. No boy had ever even taken a look at her.

"Who are you?" She whispered softly. He had scruffy, dirty blonde hair. His eyes sparkled in the moonlight. She couldn't quite make out his features in the dark, but she could tell he was about her age or older.

"You can call me Jack, who are you?"

"I'm Re…Lily. I was walking in the woods and I got lost do you think you could tell me where I am?"

"Not after dark, come with me, you can stay in the barn, it is warm there." He grabbed her hand. "How long have you been out here for? You are so cold!"

"Umm… since before sunset at least. Please, I need to sleep." The fatigue of walking in the woods was just hitting her. It felt like she was going to fall asleep standing up. Jack helped her to a small shed that was remarkably warmer than the outside air.

"Hope you don't mind my cow, I'll be right back." He walked outside and let in a bit of freezing air inside. "Sorry." He murmured, looking at her face. He lit a candle and left it on a stool. Only now in the light could Red see her surroundings. There was a small hay bed covered in a thin sheet in the back left corner. A milking stool stood by the cow, who was on the left. She was sitting on a nest of hay and dirt. She gave her true name to Jack because he seemed to be able to handle the truth, like his life was like hers. He hadn't mentioned a father, did he have one? She got up and checked out the bed. It was more comfortable than her own bed at home. She laid down, tempted to close her eyes and slip into a dream, but it felt like she was already living one.