As the rain fell in steady droplets around us, Derek and I shared a silent understanding. In that moment, the forest transformed from a place of solitude to something deeper, alive with possibilities I’d never allowed myself to imagine.
Derek's hand extended, palm up, and though I hesitated for a heartbeat, I found myself reaching out, placing my hand in his. His touch was warm, grounding, and I felt an electric surge—a reminder that I was alive, that maybe there was more to my world than I’d ever let myself hope for.
“Let’s go,” he said softly, his voice barely louder than the sound of the rain.
I nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and uncertainty. “Where?”
He gave me a quiet smile, his gaze steady. “There’s a place… just outside the borders. I think you’d like it.”
Without another
