Unexpectedly, they heard a low growl.
Radwa's heart leaped into her throat as she turned toward the bushes. Two glowing eyes stared back at them from the darkness.
Elias became alert at once. He quickly stepped in front of her, gripping a stick he had picked up from the ground.
Stay calm, Radwa, he whispered.
The creature edged closer, its eyes fixed on them. Elias tightened his grip on the stick, ready to strike if needed. Radwa, trembling, picked up a rock, preparing to defend herself.
The air suddenly turned tense. Both of them were frightened, though Elias tried not to show it. Sweat ran down his face.
The creature moved again… ready to pounce.
They both steadied themselves to attack—and suddenly, a tiny squirrel jumped out of the bushes, startling them badly. It froze for a second, then ran off for its life as both of them shouted at the same time.
For a moment, there was silence.
Then they both exhaled, their hearts still pounding.
Well," he exhaled, "that was terrifying.
He wiped his forehead and started laughing nervously. Radwa paused, watching him. Then he turned back to look at her, and suddenly both of them started laughing.
Oh my goodness… that was my first encounter with something like that, Elias said, letting out a breath.
Oh really? Radwa asked, looking up at him.
He sat down beside her again.
Yes, he said. This is actually my first time doing this kind of adventure. I'm not familiar with these things. I've worked for years without stopping. Never really… lived.
Hm… Radwa nodded, looking down at her hands.
She raised her eyes and looked at him with a thoughtful expression.
What is that look? Elias asked with a faint smile. Do you feel pity for me?
No, no… I'm not, Radwa said quickly.
Good, he said lightly. Don't, okay?
Ahm… okay, Radwa replied.
Elias leaned back slightly against the tree.
So, since we're sitting here doing nothing… why don't we share something about our lives? he said with quiet curiosity. I'd like to hear your story. Why are you here, wandering in the forest? Or… do you do this often?
He looked directly into her eyes. The steady gaze made Radwa nervous, and she shifted slightly, leaning back a little so she wasn't sitting so close to him.
She folded her arms slowly, then raised her eyes to meet his.
First… thank you, she said quietly. For standing in front of me just now… without even thinking for a second.
She paused, then added, And I'm sorry… I'm not very good at sharing my things with someone I've just met.
She gave a faint, polite smile.
Elias lifted his eyebrows slightly, then gave a small shrug.Oh, that's okay. Don't worry, he said lightly. My tolerance is very good. I'm good with patience.
He let out a soft chuckle and leaned back, resting against the tree.
Silence settled between them for a while. The forest breathed around them—the distant chirping of insects, the rustling of leaves, and the cool night air moving softly through the branches.
Neither of them spoke, but the silence no longer felt as tense as before.
After a while, Radwa turned her head slightly and looked at Elias. She realized he had fallen asleep.
Elias… she whispered softly, not even sure why she was calling his name.
She waved her hand lightly in front of his face. He didn't move.
Huh… is he really sleeping? she thought. What kind of person is he…
A faint smile appeared on her lips as she looked at his calm face. For a moment she wondered something, but then she just shrugged and let her thoughts drift away.
Her mind slowly returned to Adam.
A quiet anxiety filled her chest. She had no idea that somewhere in the same forest, Adam was searching for her, restless and desperate. The thought of him made her heart feel heavy. She felt exhausted, and her breathing grew uneven.
Afraid that the sound of her breathing might disturb Elias, she carefully tried to stand. As she rose, pain shot through her ankle. She pressed a hand over her mouth to stop herself from making a sound and shifted her weight carefully.
Somehow, she managed to stand.
She walked a little distance away, limping slightly, and stopped beside a large tree. Folding her arms, she inhaled the cool night air and slowly lifted her eyes toward the moon. She twisted the necklace Adam had gifted her, gently rubbing the initials on it as she looked up.
She began to walk a few steps farther, moving slowly, careful with her injured ankle. The forest was quiet, the moonlight faint between the trees.
Then suddenly, the ground beneath her gave way.
Radwa stumbled forward and fell into a hidden pit.
Her scream pierced the night.
Ahhh—!
Not far away, Elias jerked awake in shock. He sat up instantly, his heart pounding, his eyes searching the darkness.
…Radwa?
He looked toward the place where she had been sitting. The mat was empty.
A sudden wave of anxiety rushed through his body.
Oh, you little fool… why did you leave without telling me? he muttered, anger and fear mixing in his voice.
Without thinking, he ran toward the direction of her scream.
Radwa! he shouted. Radwa!
Some distance away, Adam was wandering through the forest, exhausted but still moving.
A strange sound caught his attention.
He froze and listened carefully.
…Radwa!
Someone was calling her name.
For a moment, Adam's heart filled with overwhelming relief. She was alive. She was near.
But then another feeling spread through him—a heavy, sinking sadness.
There was someone else with her. A male voice.
…No, Adam, whispered to himself, shaking his head. There's no time to think about that now.
He began to run, faster than he thought his tired body could move, following the sound of the voice calling her name. With every step, he felt he was getting closer to her.
Radwa answered Elias's repeated calls with the last strength left in her body.
Here… Elias…
Her voice was weak, barely reaching him. Her body was aching, her ankle worse than before, and the fall had taken all her energy. Darkness began to close in on her vision.
Then she fainted.
Elias heard her voice and immediately pulled out his phone, turning on the light as he ran toward the sound.
Wait! I'm coming… I'm coming, Radwa!
He reached the spot—and almost fell himself. He stopped just in time, stumbling back.
Oh… woah… that's huge, he muttered, breathing hard.
He pointed the light down into the pit.
Radwa lay at the bottom, motionless.
A sudden wave of panic rushed through him. Fear, sadness, and something deeper he couldn't even name filled his chest. He just stood there, frozen, staring into the darkness below, unable to move.
Then suddenly, a voice echoed through the forest.
Radwa!
Elias turned quickly, shining the light toward the sound.
The beam struck a man running toward him. The light stung the man's eyes, and he raised a hand to shield his face as he approached.
Is someone there? Adam called out, breathless.
Who's there? Elias replied cautiously.
Me… Adam, he said, walking closer.
When Adam reached him, Elias could see his figure clearly now—a tall man, broad-shouldered, his chest rising and falling heavily, sweat and dirt on his face, eyes wild with worry.
Where's Radwa? Adam asked immediately, his voice tight with fear.
Elias stared at him for a moment, surprised by the desperation in his voice.
Hello… where is she? Adam repeated, waving a hand slightly to get his attention.
Huh… yes—yes, Elias said, flustered, pointing toward the pit.
Over there. She fell. I was just about to— Move aside, Adam said quickly.
Before Elias could even react, Adam rushed forward and jumped straight down into the pit without hesitation.
Oh—wait! Elias gasped, shocked. He slapped his forehead.
He didn't even think twice…
Elias stared into the darkness, breathing slowly as the realization settled in.
Who is he… to her?
Adam landed awkwardly on a narrow slope of packed dirt beside her, one foot braced against a stone to keep from slipping onto her, then moved forward and reached his hand toward her. He placed his palm on Radwa's cheeks and gently shook her.
Radwa? he said softly.
After calling her several times and seeing that she wasn't responding, he took her arm to check her pulse. He felt relief when he realized it was running. She was just unconscious.
He was getting tired in that position, forcing himself to hold on with all his strength. When he understood she was not going to wake, he made some room to place his feet firmly on the ground. Then he slipped his hands behind Radwa's back, trying to lift her up, but he hadn't thought about how he would climb out while carrying her.
He lowered her back onto the ground and shouted for Elias's help.
Hey, are you still there? Hello… are you there?
Elias was still there, a few steps back. He heard Adam's voice, walked nearer, and peeked into the pit.
Oh, thank God you are here, Adam said, looking up at him.
Is she okay? Elias asked.
Yes, she is… but there's a problem. I can't come out while lifting her up. You need to help me, Adam said loudly, so his voice would reach Elias.
Oh, okay, wait. I have some camping stuff with me. Wait for me. Elias ran from there to the place where he had left his backpack.
Adam looked back at Radwa. So pitiful… He sat beside her, examining every injury. She had multiple skin wounds. He became very emotional.
Look at the state you're in—what have you done to yourself?
He gently wiped the dirt from her face and clothes, then stared at her, his heart filled with sadness.
Here, I'm here… Elias came running back to them, almost out of breath. He looked down into the pit and fell silent. He was surprised to see the stranger taking care of Radwa so gently, and this made him wonder what relation the man had with her. He shook himself and called out, I'm here… I brought a rope. This will help you, I'm sure. He threw one end of the rope down.
Adam looked up at him, caught the rope, and secured around his waist, then carefully lifted Radwa against his chest. Elias gripped the rope tightly in his hands, but he thought his strength might not be enough to pull them up, so he quickly fastened the rope to the tree trunk and held it firmly with his wrists.
Somehow, they managed to get Radwa out of the hole. Adam and Elias were out of energy; they breathed as if it were their last bit of oxygen. Adam carefully laid Radwa on the ground and sat beside her, catching his breath.
Then he looked at Radwa again.
Elias had brought water with him. Here, he said, raising it toward Adam.
Adam took it and nodded to him. Thank you.
He drank some, then poured a little into his palm and slowly splashed it onto Radwa's face.
Radwa opened her eyes after a few seconds. She coughed while trying to sit up. Elias stood beside them while Adam, sitting near her, gave her his hand to help her sit. Elias looked away, strangely unsettled by the closeness between them.
When she fully regained consciousness, Adam suddenly pulled her into a hug, which surprised both Elias and Radwa.
What do you think you are doing? he asked, his eyes filled with tears.
Radwa was unable to answer. Then he held her by the shoulders and looked straight into her eyes.
Adam… she said, looking at him in confusion.
She paused for a moment, then looked around her. Her eyes moved to Elias, then back to Adam.
Suddenly, she began crying like a teenager overwhelmed with emotion. She covered her face with both hands and cried loudly.
Elias stood frozen in his place, folding his arms. He didn't know where to look or what to do.
He thought to himself, Should I move away from here? I'm really feeling awkward right now. I don't know why Radwa is crying. I don't know what this man's place is in her life. And I don't even know what I'm doing here between them.
I don't seem to play any role… I'm just standing here like a fool.
Okay, that's enough crying, Adam said softly. You're safe now. I understand you were scared.
He gently patted her head while looking at her face, still hidden behind her hands.
Radwa slowly raised her head. I thought… I thought I would die in that darkness, she said, her voice shaking.
Elias stood silently a few steps away. He didn't say anything, but inside, his thoughts were loud.
How could I let you die? he thought. If he hadn't jumped… I had already made up my mind to go down for you.
He rolled his eyes slightly at himself. He was literally standing there, arguing in his own head.
Adam smiled faintly at Radwa's innocence—the way she spoke, almost complaining like a child.
Okay, relax. Nothing happened to you, he said gently. Look at yourself—just minor injuries. We'll clean them and do first aid, and you'll be fine, okay?
His voice was soft, protective, almost like someone comforting a small child, reassuring her that she was safe.
The three of them walked back to the place where Elias had set up the camp. Adam and Radwa walked beside each other while Elias, his hands in his pockets, silently led the way ahead of them.
Adam helped Radwa sit on the mat and asked Elias if he had a first-aid kit. Elias nodded, handed it to him, and quietly watched Radwa.
Adam cleaned her wounds and placed bandages over them. Radwa only looked at Adam and didn't speak to him.
Then a sudden silence spread between them. No one spoke or said anything.
Elias finally broke the silence.
Ahm… He coughed first to get their attention.
Radwa and Adam looked at him.
Who is he? Elias asked Radwa.
Radwa raised her eyebrows and looked at Adam. After a moment, she answered quietly, He is the only person I have in this world. There's a long story, but he is my…
She paused, questioning herself inside. What should I call him? Why don't I have a word for our relationship?
At that moment, Adam sensed her confusion and completed her sentence himself.
I'm her relative," he said calmly. "And we live together.
That answer somehow confused Elias even more, so he asked again.
What? What exactly? I don't understand. Radwa, can you please explain?
Radwa gave him a glare, then looked at Adam.
You don't have to understand, my boy, Adam said quietly, looking straight into Elias's eyes.