He asks me: "Hey kid, you alright?"
But I don't reply, wishing to be hypnotised by the firelight.

I crave the heat.
Nothing can ever compete.
He moves over to me and takes the empty seat.

"Shouldn't you be tucked up in bed? It's late."
The answer I do not need to contemplate.
"No."
My voice is firm, irritated and low.
"It can be dangerous out here at night y'know?"

"No ****." I spit.
I turn away slightly, running a hand through my hair.
"What's that you got there?"
He questions, probably referring to the scar on my wrist.
"Why do you care?" I retort, steadily getting more and more ******.

"Okay..So I'm guessing that you're not the sharing type?"
"Nah, I don't believe the hype."
He laughs and grins at me.
"Where is she?"
"What? Who?"
"The other one that always runs with you."

"She's de-...She's not here." I say thickly, trying to focus solely on the flame.
"Oh, I'm sorry dear. That's such a shame...Went by  Zoe, am I right?"
I am lost for words. How the **** does this man know my sisters' name?!
"Normally, I could see you two passing by, almost every night."
"Ha!" I scoff. "Stalker."
"Oh, okay I get ya. So that would make you 'The Midnight Walker'?"

I try-and fail-to hide my growing smile. "Well, who knew my newly acquired creep could be funny."
"Oh I'll have you know I'm just full of jokes honey."

I rise to my feet.
And that is when, for the first time, our eyes fully meet.
That's when he says: "I'll pray for you...and her."
My words stick a little: "Th-thank you sir."

I take three steps. "Kid? We're all safe in the hands of God..."
All I can do is nod.