Who's there? she called out, trying to sound brave, though her voice trembled. She picked up a stick from the ground and waved it blindly in the air with her eyes closed.
Oh—woah, hoo! Wait a moment, woman, are you trying to kill me?
Radwa startled at the deep-voiced young man. As the figure stepped into the dim moonlight, Radwa could see he was a young man around her age. He had a rugged look, with sharp features and eyes that seemed to pierce through the night.
Don't be afraid, the young man said, raising his hands in a gesture of peace. I mean you no harm. My name is Elias. Okay, now can you drop that stick, please? I'm afraid you'll ruin my good-looking face with that… hah, just joking.
Radwa stared at him in surprise, her expression strange. Why is he so calm in this kind of atmosphere, and so formal with me—no hesitation at all? she thought, raising her eyebrows.
Hello, madam, he waved his hand in front of her eyes. Are you done talking to yourself? If you are, can you please put that stick down so we can introduce ourselves? he said, raising his voice just enough to catch her attention, his eyes fixed on hers, searching for reassurance.
Still, she didn't drop the stick completely, only lowered it while keeping her eyes fixed on him. Hmm… I'm good, Radwa said warily, her guard still up. What do you want?
I'm okay, so you want to skip greetings?Okay, that's fine, as you wish, he said lightly. And your only concern is the nature of the main topic. Interesting.
Whatever he was saying, Radwa didn't understand why he was like this.
I've been traveling too, Elias explained. I was on my way to the next town when I saw you, so I stopped for you. It's dangerous to be out here alone, especially at night. So I thought—why not two instead of one? You heard that right. Two are better than one.
They were still standing in front of each other in the very same position, looking at one another for a while.
Radwa hesitated, considering his words. She knew the risks of traveling alone but was also wary of trusting a stranger. However, something in Elias's eyes seemed sincere.
"I appreciate your concern, sir," she said cautiously. "But I can take care of myself."
"Oh, sir?" he smiled. "I already told you my name—it's Elias. By the way, what's your name? I'd love to call you by your name instead of madam."
When he didn't receive any reply, he only grew more confused by her expression.
Elias nodded. I understand. I just thought you might want some company. It's always safer to travel with someone else. Besides, two heads are better than one when it comes to navigating these woods, he repeated, almost cautiously.
There was silence between them for a while, and the jungle grew darker with time. The quiet was broken only by faint sounds—birds chirping, wood creaking, and night animals taking deep breaths. Both of them heard each sound clearly.
After standing for so long, Elias grew tired. He stepped back from her and rested his back against a tree, looking at her calmly. Okay, I think you're not understanding what I'm saying, or you're too introverted to answer me properly. I give up. I'll sit here for a while—you're tiring me out. Then I'll go my way. Do as you like; who knows what will happen until morning, he said, smirking with a hidden smile just to annoy her.
She looked at him, her forehead wrinkled in thought.
Radwa pondered for a moment. The journey was long, and having someone with her might make it easier and less frightening. She decided to take a chance.
Alright, she agreed, walking toward him and raising the stick to his chin. We can travel together for now. But if you try anything, I won't hesitate to defend myself.
Oh, what? he said, a little scared, putting his finger on the tip of the stick and trying to push it down. Seeing her like that, he couldn't help but laugh loudly, which confused Radwa and made her step back again.
Don't take me wrong, he said, still chuckling. I'm sorry for laughing—I couldn't help myself. Hmm, you're funny. I like it. I'm trying my best not to talk too much. You seem young but old-fashioned in your way of speaking. Okay, I'll be serious from now on.
Radwa stared at him, confused. Elias smiled again firmly, a hint of admiration in his eyes. Fair enough. Let's keep moving; it's already getting too dark.
Meanwhile, Adam was on Radwa's trail. He was running constantly, his heart beating fast, sweating heavily, unable to stop his mind from overthinking. Horrifying thoughts kept coming, and he couldn't ignore them—he had never left Radwa alone like this. It was already midnight.
Suddenly, he tripped over a stone, injuring his toe badly. The sharp pain shot through him as he fell forward. Ahhh! Damn, damn, damn! Ahh… where are you, Radwa? I'm so out of energy… please let me reach you! he yelled, hopelessly bending down for a moment, head lowered, trying to catch his breath.
Radva, please be safe, he whispered to himself, his voice filled with emotion. I can't lose you.
to be continue..
He pressed on, his mind racing with thoughts of how he would explain his feelings and convince her to come back. The fear of losing her to the world, or to someone else, gnawed at him. He had to find her, to protect her, and to tell her the truth about his feelings.
As the night deepened, Radva and Elias continued their journey through the forest. They shared stories, Radva cautiously revealing bits of her sheltered life, while Elias spoke of his travels and the world beyond.
"You know," Elias said, as they walked under the canopy of stars, "there's so much to see out there. So many places to explore, people to meet. It's a big, beautiful world."
Radva smiled, feeling a sense of wonder. "That's what I want. To see it all, to experience life beyond what I've known."
Elias nodded, understanding her longing. "We'll get there," he assured her. "One step at a time."
As they walked, a bond began to form between them. Radva felt a strange mix of emotions—fear, excitement, and something new she couldn't quite name. But for now, she focused on the journey ahead, each step bringing her closer to her dreams and further from the life she had left behind.
Unbeknownst to her, Adam was closing in, driven by his love and determination. Their paths, though temporarily divergent, were destined to cross again, bringing with them revelations and decisions that would shape their futures.
Radva and Elias trudged through the dense, dark forest, the canopy above blocking out much of the moonlight. The path was treacherous, with roots snaking across the ground and branches snagging at their clothes. Despite the challenges, they pressed on, determined to reach safety.
Suddenly, they heard a growl. Radva's heart leaped into her throat as she turned to see the glowing eyes of a wild animal emerging from the shadows. Elias quickly stepped in front of her, brandishing a stick he had picked up earlier.
"Stay behind me," he whispered urgently.
The creature, a large wolf, edged closer, its eyes locked on them. Elias swung the stick, trying to keep the animal at bay. Radva, trembling, picked up a rock and prepared to defend herself. Just as the wolf seemed ready to pounce, a loud noise echoed through the forest, scaring it off.
They both exhaled in relief, their hearts pounding. "That was close," Elias said, his voice shaking slightly.
Radva nodded, her fear mingling with gratitude. "Thank you, Elias."
As they continued, the forest seemed to close in around them. The darkness grew thicker, and strange sounds filled the air. They navigated through narrow passages, crossed a rickety bridge over a deep ravine, and waded through a fast-flowing stream, all while keeping a wary eye on their surroundings.
At one point, Radva stumbled and fell into a hidden pit, her scream piercing the night. Elias immediately jumped in after her, helping her climb out despite the injuries they both sustained in the process. They bandaged their wounds as best as they could, their spirits bolstered by their mutual determination to survive.
Meanwhile, Adam was tirelessly tracking them through the forest. Every snapped branch and disturbed leaf guided him closer. His heart raced with a mix of fear and hope. He had to find Radva and make sure she was safe.
"Please, Radva," he muttered to himself, "hold on a little longer."