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

Sid barely spoke as he crouched beside Lee, who was gritting his teeth through the pain. His face had gone paler from the blood loss, but he still had the audacity to smirk at Sid, half-lidded eyes full of mischief.

"You're heavy," Sid muttered, though he hoisted Lee onto his back anyway.

Lee groaned at the movement, but the weight settled comfortably against Sid's broad shoulders. "And you fight like a maniac," Lee quipped weakly.

"Shut up," Sid said, but there was no bite to it.

Sydney walked ahead, hands clenched into fists as she led the way back to the village. "I can't believe you two," she snapped. "Sid, I expect it from him—" she jabbed a finger in Lee's direction without turning around, "—but you? What the hell was that back there?"

Sydney turned her scolding to Sid, "You like doing that, don't you?" she went on, voice sharp. "That look in your eyes—what was that?"

Sid still didn't answer, but his fingers curled slightly against Lee's arm, gripping a little tighter.

Lee exhaled slowly, his head resting against Sid's shoulder. "Just let it go for now, Sydney," he murmured.

Sydney scoffed but didn't push further. Not yet.

Sid carried Lee the entire way, silent except for his measured breaths.

They reached the village as the sky deepened into dusk, its warm glow settling over the rooftops. The villagers were quick to take Lee in, guiding him to a healer's home where he could rest.

Sydney and Sid lingered outside for a moment after making sure Lee was stable. Sydney still had that sharp look in her eyes as she turned to face her brother fully.

Sid rubbed the back of his neck, gaze dropping.

"You've always been the awkward, quiet one," Sydney went on, crossing her arms. "Then suddenly you're a monster in a fight? It's like flipping a damn switch, and I hate it."

Sid hesitated, then sighed. "It's… not something I choose to do," he admitted. "It just happens."

Sydney narrowed her eyes. "What do you mean?"

Sid leaned against the wall, arms folded, eyes distant. "I don't know how to explain it. When I fight, something else takes over. It's not like I want to hurt things, but the second I get into it, the hesitation just… dies." He exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "I like it, Sydney. The feeling. The rush. And I know that's not normal."

Sydney was quiet for a long moment, watching him carefully.

Then, finally, she muttered, "Yeah. It's not."

"But," she continued, "I don't think you're broken or anything. Just—maybe don't enjoy stabbing things so much, yeah?"

Sydney rolled her eyes but didn't push him further.

Chapter 25: The Weight We Carry