The man stepped out of the shadows.

He was quite tall with short, dark brown hair and blue eyes, wearing deep blue jeans and a light blue shirt. Pulling out a shield and an iron sword, he came closer.

’You, uh, said you needed food. Here, I’ve got some beef.’



He tossed her some beef. She nodded in thanks, her orange ponytail sitting on her green pullover, and took the beef. Soon she had finished the beef and was licking her fingers. The man looked at her and smiled.

’Thank you, um… what’s your name?’ she said.


’I’m Steve. Nice to meet you. And your name is…?’
’My name is Alex. I have been looking for more iron so I can finally craft enough blocks to protect my village.’
’What for?’ Steve asked, holding out some ingots.
‘An iron golem.’
’Surely it’s too soon though…’ He paused, taking a quick glance at her sword. He did not want to be the person on the end of it.*
‘No, no. It starts in two weeks. I think.’ Alex replied.
‘Hmm… okay then. Well, I’ve got to go back and finish off building my underground bunker. Just in case.’ Steve said causally. He turned away.
’It’s been a pleasure to meet you, Alex. I’ll see you around.’
Alex smiled and waved goodbye to Steve. She was sure she had seen Steve before.

* * *

The mining trip was a failure.

All she had found in the cave was coal, redstone and lapis lazuli. There had been an annoying spider spawner that she had to take care of. Even in those chests there was only a cracked music disc and some wheat. Zombies chased her down long and claustrophobic tunnels, creepers hissed at her and nearly blew up, skeletons shot pointy arrows at her and more spiders tried to crawl up her back and bite her neck. She was tired.



She remembered Steve though, his kind, gentle voice, the beef chops he gave her, the nice talk they had to one another. And the fact that, even though he drew his sword and shield, he was smart enough not to attack her.

Sitting in her old, creaky red bed, she pulled off her boots and slipped under the covers. It had been a rough day, and she was scared of what was going to happen in two weeks. Worried what might happen to Java, her pet wolf. Terrified of the threats she got every day. Nervous, as she counted down towards what would happen next.

*This is a clue. wink wink.