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It was the end of autumn when Walter ended up in the Constant.
His first few days here were… Hellish. But nothing could manage to scare the boy.
While he eventually pieced together he was no longer in Canada, it never seemed to frighten him. He wasn’t alone. He had his new companion Woby by his side. He’s had years of Pinetree Pioneer experience and badges to prove his survival skills. If anything, the added challenge made Walter almost excited. The only question is, how does he get home? But he could never figure that one out.
All he could do now was wander and explore. Find out more about his surroundings. The world always seemed to pique his interest. They were creatures he could only dream about finding. And while Woby cowered at any threats, Walter gravitated towards them.
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It was probably a week until he had his first injury. And this time it wasn’t just some bruise or scrap on his knee.
He was searching for something to help him find a way home. Any sort of sign or answer to give some kind of explanation. While searching he found a huge spider nest. The arachnids here were much different than the ones back home. And Walter did always have a fondness for any sort of insect. Despite Woby’s whining, he walked past a little too closely. The boy left with some scratches and a bite on his leg.
It didn’t seem venomous according to the shape of the bite. But it hurt. A lot. It made Walter feel terrified. And while he managed to get better with no infection, it stuck with him for so long. The fear of watching the blood ooze out, unknowing if it’s going to get better or worse, with no adult around to help or comfort him. He was lucky to have just enough medical supplies, but it only covered the bite. Those scratches were left with nothing, only the hope that they wouldn’t get infected.
He never wanted to get hurt again after that experience…
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Another thing that seemed to make him feel unease, was the lack of people.
He never saw anyone else here. No wandering adults, no lost kids like himself. It was just him and Woby. And after walking around with his crudely drawn map, Walter began to accept the fact he was alone. There was probably no one else here. He’s on his own. But it never did him any worry. He’s used to working alone.
Back home he didn’t have anyone else than his mum. She was mostly at work, trying to afford the roof over their heads while Walter was alone. He began working just as hard as her at an early age, knowing deep down that in the times they’re in, she can’t do it alone. And it didn’t help that there was no husband around to keep the family afloat. I hope mum is fine while I’m gone, Walter keeps thinking every so often as he sits by the fire. I hope she’s eating well. I hope she hasn’t been laid off… But deep down he’d always think back to a more twisted thought.
She’s probably better off without me weighing her down…
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Eventually, Walter stopped his endless walking. He grew tired of lugging everything around, and he did have supplies for a more permanent camp. He couldn’t wander forever either way. There was a forest different than the familiar pine trees. One with colorful leaves that complimented the red-tinted grass. So warm and vibrant. So full of life. There was a statue in the forest too. A strange one, with a weird bug carved into the top. It looked worn, but Walter liked it.
He started by setting up his portable tent and a makeshift fire pit. It was a start. It didn’t take Walter long to work on new things. He took the marble from nearby statues and made them into pellets for his slingshot. He found ways how to tilt the ground to plant the seeds birds dropped. He kept track of the days that went by, noting how long the nights have gotten. How freezing the wind is.
Winter’s almost here. And while Walter was used to cold weather in Canada, he’s unsure of what might come in a world like this. But he’s not alone entirely at least. And if he can survive the poverty back home, then surely he can handle this…
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Things have started to get harsher for the boy.
The crops couldn’t survive well in the winter. The snow got so thick and constant that tracks were hard to find. All he could scavenge was morsels of meat and a few berries. At least he was used to eating less. The weather like this reminded Walter of the harsh winters back home years ago. There were a few times when food had gotten so scarce to the point of having to dig up remains left behind. Without his mother’s knowledge, Walter would sneak to the trash bins in alleyways outside their neighborhood and search for anything. Some of the food was still fresh. But some of it was moldy, and times were getting desperate.
Those memories did make him appreciate the stringy morsels more, they felt more filling now.
It was hard to leave camp sometimes too. Walter’s used to cold weather, but he was just a kid. He can only go so far in a blizzard with barely any warm clothes. There were some days he had no energy in him. So all he could do was sit by the fire and take in the warmth as his stomach ached and longed for more food. It felt just as nostalgic in a twisted sort of way. Perhaps the reason why he was never scared here, was because it was just as bad back home…
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Time went on. And Walter stayed at that camp.
From the harsh winters to the chaotic springs, to the grueling summers.
He always managed to do just fine on his own. Just him and Woby in a lone world with no one else.
Eventually, the reminiscing about home went away. It wasn’t that he didn’t care about his mum. It was more in the fact that he didn’t want to dwell in the past. After all, that’s not very responsible. And now, more than ever, Walter has to be a grown-up.
He was a grown-up back home, and he can do that here too. He’s not some little kid anymore. He’s seen how harsh the world can be back home. And he’s not afraid of a place like this…