Chapter 5

"What are you doing?" Julie, his biological sister asked, walking out of the woods carrying a casserole dish in her hands.

"Julie? How did you get here?"

She rolled her eyes, "I ask myself that every time I come here."

"I get that," he said, glancing at his older self, hunched over the fire.

"Wait," Julie stopped, "you're not him?"

"Hell no. Not yet at least."

"Go away," Older Josh said, "all of you. It's getting too crowded around here." He was rocking forwards and backward now, arms wrapped protectively around himself.

"Here. I brought you a casserole so you don't have to keep eating rat," she laid the dish on the ground next to him. "Love you, brother."

"You're nice to him?" younger Josh asked. 

"He's my brother," she shrugged, "and so are you, I guess." She hugged him fiercely.

"I'm trying to find Mom. Have you seen her?"

"Yeah, of course. She's at the castle," she said as if it were obvious.

"The castle? Where's that?"

"Just take that path and it'll lead you right to it."

"Thanks sis. That's what I've been looking for."

"I have to go now. But be careful; it's crowded up there." She gave him another hug. "I'll see you later. Hopefully without him."

"Yes go," older Josh yelled, "both of you go away!"