The Rat Girl

The stones were dim tonight, like the world was holding its breath. And in the quiet, I heard a little noise. A tiny heart beating, a small life daring to move in the shadows. It was a rat, right there in my bag, nibbling on my bread. I wasn't even mad. I picked him up and felt his little heart racing like mine. I gave him some cheese, the last of it. I think I needed a friend, even a little furry one.
 
When the light grew stronger, I woke up to see him still there, curled up and asleep, like he belonged. It felt nice not to wake up alone. I named him Dunkin, after a character in a story Dad used to tell me. Dunkin and I, we're going to stick together.
 
I walked to the market, the weight of my last coin heavy in my pocket. I could only afford old bread, but Dunkin didn't seem to mind. He’s good company, doesn’t complain about the food.
 
Today, I wandered West Themar. It's strange to see it from eyes that aren't mine. I used to see it as a place we passed through, now it's a place I'm part of. Some people call me "rat girl" now, but not like it's a bad thing. They said I showed them the truth about the gates. That we’re all caged in. They say everyone knows now because of what happened to me. I don't feel like I did anything, but if it helped, I’m glad.
 
People are different here, their eyes have stories in them. Stories like mine, like Dunkin’s. I see the hurt from yesterday, the work to rebuild, the whispers. Whispers that are growing louder. I don't know what they're growing into.
 
I found a new quiet spot, better than the last. Dunkin and I shared the bread. I broke off pieces, and we ate together in silence. He’s a good listener.
 
I don't know what tomorrow holds, or if I'll ever see the farm again. But at least for today, I don't feel so alone. Dunkin's presence is a little light in the dark, like the Lucerian stones, small but steady. Maybe we all need a Dunkin to keep us company in the dark.
 
For now, it’s just me and Dunkin, the rat girl and her little guardian. We'll see what the streets bring us tomorrow.