Brian blinked in shock.
Sanfordâs jaw tightened as he clearly struggled to process it.
He stammered, âUm, what are your thoughts on him? Is he a good guy or not?â
Rosalynn smiled softly.
âHe saved us.
Heâs definitely a good guy.
â
When he kidnapped her at the resort back then, he didnât actually harm her.
They kept moving forward, the forest seeming to stretch endlessly in front of them, dark and unforgiving.
Pale moonlight trickled down through the gaps in the trees, casting ghostly shadows on the ground.
Every now and then, strange sounds came from the underbrushâ-creatures rustling, unseen, making the forest feel even more unsettling.
No one spoke now, all of them focused on getting through the thick woods.
Rosalynn listened to the way Brian was breathing, heavy and strained.
She knew he was having a hard time.
âAre you okay, honey? Can you keep going?â she asked, concern in her voice.
Brian squeezed her hand a little tighter.
âIâm fine,â he said, though it didnât sound like he was.
Sanford looked over at him, raising an eyebrow.
âBrian, want me to carry you?â
Brian gave Sanford a playful look.
âWith that small build of yours? Save your energy.
Iâd hate to see you pass out and leave Maggie crying to Rosalynn and me.
â
Sanford scoffed, a smirk on his face, âYouâre doubting me? Thatâs disappointing.
Well, Maggieâs probably at home, counting the minutes.
Once I bring you back safely, sheâs going to think Iâm a hero.
â
Rosalynn laughed softly.
âYeah, sheâll definitely love you even more.
â
Sanford flashed a proud smile.
âObviously.
Not many guys are as loyal as I am.
â
âThatâs for sure,â Brian added, chuckling.
The lighthearted exchange lifted their spirits, pushing them to move a bit faster through the forest.
Leading ahead, Jamir walked in silence, their laughter reaching his ears.
His eyes flickered with a hint of somethingâenvy.
He couldnât help but admire the bond they shared, whether it was friendship or love.
Then, without warning, gunshots rang out, ripping through the stillness of the forest.
Rosalynnâs heart jumped, and she gripped Brianâs hand tighter.