A barren wind swept through the forest, wiping a wave of sand into Jessica's face. The woods had been strangely silent lately, but she didn't know whether she preferred the silence or the spooky noises. Jessica had not done much lately, mostly staying near the rock while living off whatever they could find and drinking water from the river, which tasted like the dust in the wind. Even the Pecha berries were bitter and dry...
Jessica sat down against the rock and dreamt of her past. Though she had never been truly happy, having to live like she lived now felt horrible. Was this her fate? Slakoth was calm, as he nearly always was. What was on his mind?