Don't get too comfortable in For Alice and Velsper

With reluctance, she pulled herself away from the only thing standing between herself and anonymity.

Throat constricting, she cautiously peered from behind its rough edges of bark and across the tall grass, until her eyes met with the house sheltered across the clearing. This was the closest she'd dare come all year. Just thinking about taking another step caused a cold sweat to break out between her shoulder blades.

She closed her eyes, and slumped back against the tree; it took every will of effort to not be violently ill over the tips of her shoes.

"'Never far' you said," she mumbled, "Fucking liar."

The words hung acrid in her mouth, as the tears streamed unbidden. Apparently this would be as far as she could muster.