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She's tougher than she looks.
We set off into the forest, picking our way over roots and rocks.
My side burns with every step, but I grit my teeth against the pain.
I can't show weakness now.
Diana is counting on me.
The trees close in around us as we plunge deeper into the woods.
An unnatural silence prevails as if the forest is holding its breath.
Diana shivers, pressing closer to my side. "It's creepy out here."
I wrap an arm around her, more for my own reassurance than hers.
We trudge onward, sweat dripping down our necks in the humid air.
An owl hoots softly in the distance, breaking the eerie silence.
Diana stumbles on a root, catching herself on my arm with a gasp.
I clench my jaw against the spike of pain from my injury.
"Sorry," she murmurs. Her fingers dig into my arm, steadying herself.
"It's fine." I scan the woods ahead, searching for any sign of movement.
Nothing but shadows stir between the trees.
Still, the hair on the back of my neck prickles.
We’re being watched.
It could be animals.
It could be a person.
I urge Diana to walk faster, one hand on her back as I steer her over the rough terrain.
She doesn't protest, seeming to sense the urgency in my stride.
My heart kicks into overdrive as I glance over my shoulder.
A dark shadow moves through the trees, closing in fast.
I hold my breath and then, a dog appears.
Thank god. "Shoo," I say.
"Go away, please."
The dog turns and runs off, disappearing from sight.
I release the breath I was holding, allowing my arm to sag against Diana's back.
We keep walking, heading deeper into the woods until at last, we find a clearing in a small meadow.
