orzcore

Erica Wiley, a 21-year-old procrastinator with a cynical streak, is stuck between avoiding life and facing it. When she impulsively offers to take her aunt’s miserable twins on a gap-year adventure, she has no plan—other than to be lazy. But when their simple hiking trip goes horribly wrong, the trio finds themselves lost in a strange village, caught up in bizarre encounters and a growing bond with Lee, a charming (and suspicious) merchant.

What begins as an unplanned journey soon turns into a series of misadventures that push Erica to confront both her past and the possibility of caring about others. With dangerous beasts, questionable decisions, and awkward moments, Erica must decide if she’s ready to face the responsibilities—and feelings—she’s spent so long avoiding.

A quirky adventure about finding yourself, even when you’re trying not to.

Traveling with the Reckless and Unmotivated

The festival was winding down, the lanterns casting a golden glow over the village. Music still played, laughter echoed, but the rush of excitement had settled into something softer. Erica was content to let Sydney and Sid bask in the energy while she trailed behind with Lee, who had somehow made himself at home among them.

Sid, usually content to follow Sydney's lead, was the first to notice him—the small boy sitting alone on the stone steps of a closed shop, legs pulled to his chest, face hidden beneath a mop of unruly dark curls. His clothes were dirt-stained, too thin for the cooling night air.

Sid hesitated before crouching down, awkwardly clearing his throat. "Uh… hey, are you okay?"

Sid glanced around for a parent, a guardian, anyone who might claim the boy, but the festival crowd carried on without noticing. He frowned, shifting his weight uncomfortably. "Are you lost?"

Sydney, overhearing, stepped in. "What's your name, kid?"

The boy lifted his head just enough to peek at her through his curls. He didn't say anything—but after a few seconds, he reached out and latched onto her wrist.

Sydney blinked. "Oh. Okay, I guess I'm part of your life now."

Sid deflated a little, hands resting on his knees. "I was the one who—never mind."

"Congrats on the new child," Erica deadpanned, arms crossed.

Lee smirked. "Hope you're ready for the responsibility, Sydney. Parenthood's tough."

"Oh, shut up." Sydney hoisted the kid up with surprising ease. "Let's at least find out if he has parents before you all start making jokes."

It turned out to be more difficult than expected. Jasper, as they learned through patient coaxing, had no idea where his parents were. He offered no last name, no real information beyond the vague direction he came from.

"I don't like this," Erica muttered as they wandered the village outskirts. "If his parents lost him, they should've been searching."

"Maybe they are," Sid offered. "The festival's huge. We could've just missed them."

"I hope so," Sydney murmured, adjusting Jasper's weight against her hip. "They better have a good excuse for leaving him alone."

Jasper made a quiet sound, pressing his face against Sydney's shoulder. The mood shifted. Even Lee, usually full of commentary, stayed silent.

Sydney paused. "What was that, bud?"

"…Mom and Dad were outside the gate."

Erica's stomach twisted. A bad feeling settled in her bones.

She glanced at Lee, whose expression had sharpened. He had the same instinct for trouble she did, and right now, they were both sensing the same thing.

The festival was loud, but beyond the gate? It was deathly silent.

Sydney, having no such hesitation, tightened her grip on Jasper and strode forward. Sid followed immediately.

Erica pinched the bridge of her nose. "I hate this."

Chapter 11: A Stray Among Strays