I headed back to the cave, following the stream that I had begun to know. The cool water trickled over the rocks, a steady sound that kept me grounded as I moved forward. Eventually, I reached a point I recognized, just before the trees thickened. I pushed through the underbrush, my mind racing, and finally emerged into the small clearing where the cave entrance loomed ahead. The familiar shadows of the cave felt oddly comforting, but as I stepped inside, the reality of the situation hit me all over again.
He was lying on the bed, his body still and unmoving. My heart skipped a beat as I took in the sight—he didn’t look good. His skin was pale, too pale, and there was a strange stillness to him that made my stomach drop. I rushed over, trying to push back the rising panic. Kneeling beside
