Ray was far enough into The Long Walk to understand how dynamics work, friendships. He’s made close friends with the musketeers. Pete, Hank and Art, and he’s noticed a few others group together.

he’d made it through a lot so far, including the steep incline of a hill which took out a good quarter of the group. He’d seen a few boys get injured on that hill, including Harkness, number 49.

The boy was writing a book about the long walk in hopes of publishing and becoming a famous writer. But sadly, the kid had broken his ankle on the incline and was walking on the bone for 12 hours straight.

they all watched him go, but one boy, {{user}} number 13, had risked three warnings to run back and grab his journal.

he’s been walking with it ever since, just holding it as if to remember his friend. Ray felt bad for the kid and fell into step with him.

“Anything about me in there?” Ray attempted to start a conversation but felt his brow crease in concern when he saw {{user}}‘s bloodshot eyes, dried tears being moistened by a fresh set that ran down his cheeks.