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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

Erica didn't give too much detail, just a sugarcoated version of the reason behind the twins' current tension. Lee got the hint and didn't press to know more, which surprised Erica. She had assumed he was the type to need to know everything. The whole time she explained, her eyes were focused on the now cold food in her hand, but now that the story was told, she looked at him with the same deadpan expression as always and asked, "Do you want to flip a coin on who consoles which twin?"

Lee scoffed. "This isn't an affair I should meddle in."

Erica clicked her tongue and mumbled, "Coward," before putting down her fork and turning toward Sydney, who had not moved from the spot of the argument.

Erica wasn't good at consoling anybody, so no matter which twin it was, they would've lost if she were responsible for making them feel better. Despite the age difference, Sydney was slightly taller than Erica, so she had to raise her arm in order to flick her on the forehead.

"You sure know how to push his buttons, don't you?" Erica mused while Sydney fought back tears.

"Why do you always take his side?" Sydney mumbled, voice barely above a whisper.

Erica sighed before walking ahead, holding out her hand to Sydney. "You know better."

Sydney hesitated but eventually took her hand. They walked together in the direction Sid had stormed off. Erica looked behind her and noticed Lee trailing along happily.

"I thought you said this wasn't your business," Erica remarked.

Lee grinned. "I never said I wouldn't observe!"

Sydney let out a light laugh, starting to feel better just watching Erica and Lee interact. Erica shot Lee a side-eye but didn't argue, too focused on finding Sid. Eventually, they reached deep enough into the forest and found him sitting next to a nearly demolished tree stump. Even though he was tall and bulky, Erica always forgot how terrifyingly strong Sid could be.

She let go of Sydney's hand and walked over to Sid, hovering over him. "Sid."

He looked up at her with darkened, dead eyes. She did the same thing to him as she had done to Sydney—flicking his forehead.

Sid looked away, clearly still upset.

They didn't have the luxury for further conversation, though, because at that moment, a roaring, bird-like creature fell from the sky, its massive wings creating a gust that sent leaves flying.

Erica blinked at the beast in mild exasperation. "What a shame," she muttered before turning away from Sid to face it.

Lee clapped his hands together. "Well, this is getting interesting."

"Is it too late to run?" Erica asked, already knowing the answer.

Sydney wiped the last of her tears, cracking her neck. "Way too late."

Sid finally stood, rolling his shoulders. The darkness in his eyes remained, but now it was focused. Controlled.

Lee grinned. "Well, then. Shall we?"

Erica sighed. "Guess I'll be earning my meal after all."

Chapter 16: Unsuccessful Damage Control