The next day I woke up, feeling every part of my body. Luckily, all of my wounds healed up pretty fine. I get up from my bed, Thea's bed was already made up and she was nowhere to be seen. I stepped into the bathroom and examined myself in the mirror, I looked like an absolute disaster - torn clothes, covered in blood, tired face. Suddenly, Thea burst into the room like a storm and glared at me angrily.

- Alright, take off your clothes. - She said in a commanding tone, not accepting rejection.

- Pardon me? - I raised an eyebrow.

- What? Do you want to walk around, wearing those rags? - She laughed. - I will sew them up for you and maybe wash up a little.

- Um... - Her sudden "act of kindness" surprised me. But I really need to change. - Alright then...

I pushed the door shut, so I could freely take of my clothes and later hand them to Thea through the door crack.

- You won't play any pranks on me, right? - I asked, awkwardly.

- Like taking your clothes and never coming back?

- Yes.

- Hah! - She laughed again. - Maybe I won't. Very tempting, though.

- Maybe?!

Thea cracked a smile and exited the room, leaving me half naked in the bathroom. I took the opportunity and hopped into the shower to wash off the already dried blood. It was a good feeling - like the nightmare, that I was living for the past couple of weeks, has finally vanished.

After some time Thea has returned, luckily, with my clothes. She gave it back to me and left the room again, so I could dress up. I took the rest of my belongings and made my way to the bar to join Thea. She was engaged in a lively conversation with other patrons. She looked at me and gestured to join them. I sat down next to her and a really "big" man.

- So you are Joker, eh? - The big man spoke to me.

- Yes.. and you? - I asked, unable to hide the bits of fear in my voice. He looked menacing, to say the least.

- Everyone calls me Edu, my friend! - His big toothy grin made me feel less afraid immediately.

The waitress came to us and gave everyone a glass of beer, including me. I thanked her and smiled.

- So, Thea...- One of the men turned to her. - How long are you going to stay here?

- Two nights. One of the suppliers will get here tomorrow afternoon, so we have to wait.

- Great! - He clapped his hands. - What would you say about a party tongiht?

Thea looked at me as I awkwardly drank my beer.

- Well... I guess we won't have anything better to do. - She said reluctantly. - Sure...

The "big" man smiled widely, got up from his chair with a quick movement and shouted. - Oi, listen up! Today we have a little party! Everyone is welcome to join!

A cacophony of cheers and whistles filled the bar, people clinking their beer glasses as I looked at Thea with confused expression, but she just shrugged, finishing up her drink.

Some time later after leaving the bar, I decided to look around the town a bit by myself. I was wondering, if I will get to see the old lady from last night again. The town was full with people, buying snacks or trinkets from the market and just relaxing, but the fact, that Shaun was here just three years ago, was making me sad. Where is he now? The lady said, that everyone knew my brother, so maybe a little interrogation will help me find the next path to him.

I asked some people on the marked, but they didn't told me anything, that could possibly help me. Most of them knew Shaun only from work that he was helping them with at that time, some people said, that he was really friendly and helpful, but aside from that, he was isolated from everyone. Didn't had any friends here and spent his free time alone. I felt bad. Like some part of this was my fault, I tried my best to protect him since the young age, but things just didn't go in our favour. I just wanted to find him and come back home, together.

I sat down next to one of the houses, dropping my head down and delving into my thoughts. Then I heard a familiar voice.

- Why are you sitting here all alone? - The old Lady asked me softly.

I smilled a little, while she lowered herself down next to me, a warm puffy blanket wrapped around her thin figure.

- I tried to ask some people about Shaun... but it didn't help me in the slightest. - I said, clasping my hands together.

- Right... I said, that everyone knew him, but most of them just by sight. I'm sorry, dear.

- I just want to finally find him. I'm really worried about him.

She looked at me with the softest eyes, like a grandmother looking at her grandchild. I felt something warm on my back and shoulders. So cozy... She gave me the blanket.

- Listen, my dear... this world is scary and dangerous, I knew a lot of people, who died from the hands of monsters or other people, but Shaun... he always was able to survive everything. First time when he came here, he was in a terrible shape, but didn't complain. He never asked people to help him, he always asked if they need any help instead. He was strong and I'm sure he still is. - She smiled as she rubbed my back.

- But do you know, where he could be now?

- Sadly, I don't.

- Why did he even leave this town?

- He didn't said, why he is leaving, but I think it's because of one accident.

- What accident?

- Once he forgot to take the right amount of blood and he lost control... No one got hurt, but Shaun still got worried, that this could happen again and he didn't wanted to hurt anyone of us.

This reminded me of that last moment, when I've seen Shaun. After killing Jade, he lost control. He wanted to kill me, but managed to stop himself in time and then... he just disappeared. I knew he didn't wanted to hurt me, but I'm sure we could have helped him.. somehow.

- Are you alright? - She asked, worried about my long silence.

- Yes, I apologise... - I shook my head, returning to the present. - Sorry, but I still don't know your name.

- Ah, right! - She laughed. - My name is Lidia.

We talked a little bit more, it felt nice. If I would ever had a grandmother, I would wish she could be like her. It was getting late, I said my goodbyes and returned the blanket to Lidia.

I did a little walk on my way back to the bar, still thinking about the conversation I had today. For sure, I didn't wanted to give up on looking for Shaun and I believed, that I will find him. When I entered the bar, everyone greeted me, even Thea, to my surprise. The "party" was in full swing, people drinking, playing songs, talking and having a good time. I was watching them, while slowly drinking glass of whiskey.

- You are not a party guy, am I right? - Thea joined me at my table.

- Yeah... parties are not for me, but I can enjoy some drinks.

- Some drinks? Come on, Joker... You don't know, when you will be able to drink again! Use this opportunity!

- Do you want to see me drunk? - I laughed lightly, knowing, I should not let myself off the leash. - Trust me.. it's not a good thing to witness.

- Come on... - She pushed another glass closer to me. - A bit of alcohol won't kill ya.

I gazed at her with distrust, but in the end obliged and took another drink.

After a few hours I couldn't stand on my own feet and, while trying to get out from this party, one of the men dragged me back to the bar. I knew it was too late to escape, when they started filling the glasses again. After another round of drinks I lost my awareness of what is happening around me. I just knew it will be hard to wake up tomorrow.