Lydia felt lightheaded. Her knees buckled but she caught herself as they stopped at the farmhouse. She was disappointed that the building was boarded up so tightly. Tears filled her eyes. She hadn’t realized how much she was hoping for someone to help them.<br/><br/>“We are still on our own.” She whispered as she looked up to the second story where the boards seemed to be loose. “ What do we do now? Are we alone in this world of madness? Is there no one else left to fight against the darkness or has the balance finally tipped in favor of evil?”<br/><br/>Lydia sank down and buried her face in her hands, indulging her despair. The cool breeze drifted over her, touching her with a gentle touch that felt loving. The scent that floated on the air was filled with honeysuckle and a large orange butterfly drifted slowly onto her knee. She wiped her eyes with shaking hands and took a deep breath. Shenyo was not deterred by the difficulties and was working to find a way into the house. She felt shamed by his determination.<br/><br/>She heard his warning of caution about the presence of someone in the house. Moments ago she would have accepted mortality as a quick end to the fight, but now, bolstered by his courage, she stood, and tossed back her black curly hair.<br/><br/>"What is the plan? I'm ready now."<br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/>