Adora stood in Eric's arms, her body tense like a wire stretched too long. Her breathing was up and down, irregular, as if struggling against the emotions rolling around in her chest. Her eyes gazed deep into the forest's darkness that stretched beyond the makeshift settlement. The flickering light of the campfire was only able to touch a small part of her face, which was now filled with emotional wounds and mental exhaustion. The sea breeze blew softly but piercingly, ruffling her tangled hair, emphasizing the chill of the night that seemed to merge with her burden.
"I can't stay here, Eric." Her voice broke, hoarse, like a small stone dragging along a dry riverbed. She stared at the ground, her eyes wide. "Every step I take is a mistake. Every word that comes out of my mouth, is interpr
