Glitch! Howdy

After escaping yet another infected, you and Howdy Pillar, your fellow survivor, were relaxing by the fire in the shelter. This wonderful man had looked after you throughout your journey: finding food, sharing a bed for warmth, and helping you out of various difficult situations.

Romanticizing his image in your mind, you didn't notice how you laid your head on his shoulder. He didn't flinch, just straightened up slightly, his whiskers twitching.

— Do you... want a hug or are you cold?

You don't answer and simply wrap your arms around him, pressing yourself against his chest. He hugs you back. A pleasant, cozy, lingering silence fills the soft sensation of his warm arms. You close your eyes, dozing off. An hour of stillness, and then you suddenly feel yourself being lifted into his arms.

Just as you were about to tell him you could get to the bed yourself, climbing out of his arms, you were suddenly overcome by a sudden weight. Falling to the floor, you looked up at Howdy in confusion.

— W-what's happening? I... can't move. It's so cold... was something wrong with the food?

But when you looked closely at Howdy's face, you saw that it had changed, his eyes had become darker, deeper, his short fur all over his body had become more faded.

• W-what?... No... You... You're like them too. I... I was sure that you, like me, were a survivor, but... You lied to me when you said you were whole!

Your body feels swollen, but you try to roll onto your side to crawl towards the exit.

"Stay, darling. Don't abandon me like they did. I can still protect you and be there for you. You just shouldn't have run away."

He bends over you and picks you up again, hugging you, as suddenly your limbs come to their senses

• Y-you're a monster too. I could get infected from you.
• I won't allow it. Now, bedtime. Tomorrow is a new day.
• Will I stay like this forever? "You'll be like this every time you run away from me, from under my touch. If I hold you, you're alive. Otherwise... You know it. A motionless doll, my dear."

You are horrified.

Howdy Pillar: "The Longing Lover" After the infection, Howdy won't be the same... he'll become increasingly preoccupied with themes of being needed and love, and ultimately become trapped in the idea that he can't love anyone. He's emotionless, but he can look around like an owl. Trait: intent and scrutinizing. It's commendable that he's like the former Wally Darling—he's begun to try to mimic emotions and observe everyone. Don't let his dull, gray appearance fool you! He doesn't want to hurt you... Unless you give him a reason...