Annabelle narrowed her eyes, seizing the perfect opportunity to land an even louder flick on Gauge’s forehead.
Then, without missing a beat, she turned and bolted.
Gauge was stunned for a moment. He hadn't expected her to be so playful. After a brief pause, he began chasing after her.
She wasn’t fast, and if he wanted to catch up, it would be effortless.
But he didn’t want to.
There was something about this moment that felt perfect. If it were up to him, he would be content to follow her like this forever, remaining just close enough that she’d find him the moment she turned around.
Yet Annabelle felt entirely different.
The thrill of almost getting caught — but not quite — made her nerves tingle. She was so tense that she didn’t dare slow down, her legs carrying her frantically acr
