Gripp

46

April asked around the village, and soon, she was directed to Gripp’s house. Everyone knew him and seemed eager to talk about his tireless efforts to build a better life for all of them. April’s heart swelled to hear it.

He is so much more than what he appears to be. All he truly wants is to help others.

It made her feel bad that she had not been able to cherish his heart in the way he so clearly needed. She shoved away her doubts, telling herself that she was here now and she would make everything right somehow.

As she headed towards Gripp’s house, she let the heavy, moist air stir her memory. The long walks through the jungle, the nights they’d spent curled together, and all the soft, shy smiles that had brought their hearts together.

When she arrived at Gripp’s place, she headed ins