Rushing past the low branch, Andy got another little scratch on his face. He had a few. They stung in the cold. It was hard not to get scratched by things because he couldn't see. The light from the fire was gone. It was almost as dark as the cave. Well, not quite.
He had run as fast as he could away from Claudia. She nearly caught up before he got to the woods. But because he was small, he moved much faster beneath the branches and through the bushes. He thought they were left behind. He slowed down.
It was scary in the dark. He was breathing really hard from running. His breath was coming out in big clouds. It wasn't so dark here. Up ahead he could hear water. Without noticing he had gotten to the edge of the forest where it was light enough to see. Sort of. Rain was falling hard. Standing under the last few trees he saw a big stone thing that the water was moving through. It was so fast that the water was splashing over the sides.
Across the water somebody was standing in the rain. He tiptoed to the last tree to get a better look.
"Hello Andy." said Cheryl.
Andy felt excited. Because he was so happy, he cried a bit.
"Where did you go? How did you get over there? Aren't you getting wet?" he blurted.
She said nothing. She was looking straight through him. He felt cross.
"Why don't you answer me?" he asked, crossly.
"They're coming." she said.
He turned. In the forest he could see a light shining, looking around. Looking for him. Claudia was calling his name.
"How do I get across?" he asked.
"It's too far."
He was scared.
"What should I do?"
"Get in."
"It's too fast!"
"Get in." she repeated.
He looked back. The light was closer.
"You'll get caught." she warned.
He thought of getting caught. Of going back to that place. Of Fat Pat and Mr. Wolf. Of Claudia – he hated Claudia. He wasn't going back.
"Andy!" shouted Claudia.
He jumped. The water was freezing and moving fast. He swam up to the top and gasped. It was so cold he wanted to scream. The scream didn't come.
He fought against the current and grabbed on to something hard that was sticking out. It was difficult to hang on because his hands were like ice.
"Sh-Shu-Cheryl!" he stammered.
She had her finger to her lips.
"I'll get help." she whispered, "Stay still."
She disappeared from his view.
"Andy!" screamed Claudia.
She was directly above his head now. He shivered constantly. He tried hard not to breathe. It was difficult to hold on.
"Andy!"
Alice's doll was swept from his pocket. He felt like closing his eyes.
"Where is he Claudia?" growled Mr. Wolf.
"I thought he went this way father. I'm sorry."
"Apologies are meaningless. You disappoint me again."
"Yes father."
"Mr. DeSalvo, you will head north into old Silent Hill. I will head towards Paleville."
"Where should I go father?"
"You will come with me. You may still be of use."
"Can I still see Alessa?"
"If we are successful, then we shall all see her, see the glorious resurrection. Come."
Andy was just aware of their footsteps drifting away. He was too tired to reach for the edge. Too sleepy. He closed his eyes.