It was easy to avoid her feelings, to hide behind Madison’s words, hoping Ashley couldn’t see her behind all those letters. It was simple to just run from fear and allow someone else to take on the world’s problems. With Ashley gone, that physical ache would subside, and she could go on living. Those unfamiliar emotions when Ash was around would finally dissipate and she could sleep nights, not wanting to need her, touch her, to cut her open and climb inside her.

Tears dripped off her nose and onto the ground. She sniffed as mucus ran down the back of her throat. She knew she would look back on this day with utter disgust and disdain.

The day she sold her soul. The day she sold Ashley out.

It was just too much. She had no choice but to follow the sheep into the fields, leaving Ashley alone with the wolves.

***

Ashley peddled slowly down the path, thankful that it was a full moon or she would never have made it back without stumbling into some poison oak. Her flashlight swung side to side, the beam of light illuminating nocturnal insects and faint dust clouds.

She figured she was about a few feet away, but couldn’t be sure in the dark. She got off her bike, and shifted her backpack as it had been jostled during the ride. Her feet crunched and crackled along the path, the night air much cooler than the night before, making Ashley wish she had brought a heavier jacket.

“Your late.”

The words pierced the darkness, causing Ashley to squeal slightly and drop the flashlight. It rolled down hill haphazardly, resting a few feet away where the incline ceased. Ashley froze, waiting for the person to do something.

“It’s me, Ash. I’m down here. Just keep walking.”

The wave of panic in her chest subsided as soon as she recognized the voice. She walked towards the direction of the voice, tripping once, but over her own feet.

The flashlight rested at his feet, the beam shining over what was left of the bird.

Ashley approached it, looking for the ants but they had gone.

“What are you doing here?” Ashley addressed the question to the ground.