Anonymous strings

Chapter 4

During the whole voyage, Hank clung tightly to his seatbelt amid frenzied laughing and horrified shouts. Viktor sees this as an adrenaline rush, while Hank sees it as a matter of life and death. Hank repeatedly pleaded with Viktor to slow down, but Viktor ignored him and kept speeding as though he were in a drag race.

It was a miracle that they had reached the nearest supermarket. When Viktor parked the car, it was the only time Hank let out his breath. He hasn't breathed since Viktor drove uncontrollably.

"You go buy what you like at the grocery store; the mall is just blocks away, so let's just meet here after an hour and a half" Viktor announced as he went out of the car. Hank did the same but with trembling. He even fell on his knees; it seemed like his energy escaped from his body. He has to crawl to follow Victor to the supermarket, but he's just too fast.

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While Viktor is roaming the toy section aisle, just to check for new plushies to add to his collection, he finds a cute mad duck plushie. His attention was diverted when a child tugged on his shirt.

"Excuse me, sir. I know I should not talk to you just like what your shirt says, but can you help me?" A child asked him politely. He immediately noticed some small tears forming; it seemed he was trying not to cry.

Since he has a soft spot for children, he sighed as he bent a bit. "Yes, Sweetie? How can I help you?" he smiled sweetly.

"I think I'm lost, and I can't find my parents," the boy mumbles, but it's still enough for Viktor to hear it.

"Alright, let's go." Viktor held the child's tiny hand as they walked around to find the child's parents. Viktor even put the child on his shoulder, so it has a great view of where its parents are.

They eventually located the boy's parents after some time. The child had been gone for twenty minutes, so the parents were relieved to see each other again. Though he acknowledged their thanks, Viktor rejected the gifts. Hence, he watched the family comfort the sobbing child. The boy finally let out the tears that had been hiding since he was missing.

A little fang of agony grew throughout his heart as he saw this touching reunion. Abruptly, he missed his family. He has lived nearly his whole life by himself. living, dining, and sleeping by themselves. He missed the loving and supportive environment of his family. He missed his family's comforting hug. He was missing all of it.

He excused himself from the get-together and went to the register. His countenance was blank, as if he was attempting to keep his feelings within. He shouldn't be seen in this state by anyone.

He did not notice how the vine grew once again; this time it wrapped around his forearm.

When he reached the car, Hank was already there. Hank said something while he was opening the car, but he heard nothing.