Who's there? she called out, trying to sound brave, though her voice trembled. She picked up a stick from the ground and waved it blindly in the air with her eyes closed.
Oh—woah, hoo! Wait a moment, woman, are you trying to kill me?
Radwa startled at the deep-voiced young man. As the figure stepped into the dim moonlight, Radwa could see he was a young man around her age. He had a rugged look, with sharp features and eyes that seemed to pierce through the night.
Don't be afraid, the young man said, raising his hands in a gesture of peace. I mean you no harm. My name is Elias. Okay, now can you drop that stick, please? Careful with that. I'm rather attached to this face.… hah, just joking.
Radwa stared at him in surprise, her expression strange. Why is he so calm in this kind of atmosphere, and so formal with me—no hesitation at all? she thought, raising her eyebrows.
Hello, madam, he waved his hand in front of her eyes. Are you done talking to yourself? If you are, can you please put that stick down so we can introduce ourselves? he said, raising his voice just enough to catch her attention, his eyes fixed on hers, searching for reassurance.
Still, she didn't drop the stick completely, only lowered it while keeping her eyes fixed on him. Hmm… I'm good, Radwa said warily, her guard still up. What do you want?
He gave a small laugh, though it didn't fully hide the tension in his voice.
I'm okay, so you want to skip greetings?Okay, that's fine, as you wish, he said lightly. And your only concern is the nature of the main topic. Interesting.
Whatever he was saying, Radwa didn't understand why he was like this.
He opened his mouth to speak, then hesitated for a brief second, as if unsure how she might react.
I'm traveling to the next town... Elias explained.
They were still standing in front of each other in the very same position, looking at one another for a while.
Radwa hesitated, considering his words. She knew the risks of traveling alone but was also wary of trusting a stranger. However, something in Elias's eyes seemed sincere.
"I appreciate your concern, sir," she said cautiously. "But I can take care of myself."
"Oh, sir?" he smiled. "I already told you my name—it's Elias. By the way, what's your name? I'd love to call you by your name instead of madam."
When he didn't receive any reply, he only grew more confused by her expression.
Elias nodded. I understand. I just thought you might want some company. It's always safer to travel with someone else. Besides, two heads are better than one when it comes to navigating these woods, he repeated, almost cautiously.
There was silence between them for a while, and the jungle grew darker with time. The quiet was broken only by faint sounds—birds chirping, wood creaking, and night animals taking deep breaths. Both of them heard each sound clearly.
After standing for so long, Elias grew tired. He stepped back from her and rested his back against a tree, looking at her calmly.
Alright. I surrender. I'll sit here. You can glare at me until morning, he said, smirking with a hidden smile just to annoy her.
She looked at him, her forehead wrinkled in thought.
Radwa pondered for a moment. The journey was long, and having someone with her might make it easier and less frightening. She decided to take a chance.
Alright, she agreed, walking toward him and raising the stick to his chin. We can travel together for now. But if you try anything, I won't hesitate to defend myself.
Oh, what? he said, a little scared, putting his finger on the tip of the stick and trying to push it down. Seeing her like that, he couldn't help but laugh loudly, which confused Radwa and made her step back again.
Don't take me wrong, he said, still chuckling. I'm sorry for laughing—I couldn't help myself. Hmm, you're funny. I like it. I'm trying my best not to talk too much but You speak like someone's grandmother, he said lightly. Fine. I'll behave.
Radwa stared at him, confused. Elias smiled again firmly, a hint of admiration in his eyes. Fair enough. Let's keep moving; it's already getting too dark.
Meanwhile, Adam was on Radwa's trail. He was running constantly, his heart beating fast, sweating heavily, unable to stop his mind from overthinking. Horrifying thoughts kept coming, and he couldn't ignore them—he had never left Radwa alone like this. It was already midnight.
Suddenly, he tripped over a stone, injuring his toe badly. The sharp pain shot through him as he fell forward. Ahhh! Damn, damn, damn! Ahh… where are you, Radwa? I'm so out of energy… please let me reach you! he yelled, hopelessly bending down for a moment, head lowered, trying to catch his breath.
Radwa, please be safe, he whispered to himself, his voice filled with emotion. I can't lose you.
He pressed his hands onto his knees, and suddenly he started crying like a toddler who doesn't know what to do, feeling completely helpless. Sweat slipped from his face onto the dirt. Back and forth he cried loudly, his face turning red. He was putting so much pressure on his mind that veins appeared on his forehead. He couldn't control himself. He couldn't stop his emotions or his tears.
Then he slowly raised his head, trying to catch his breath. He breathed as if his lungs were about to burst. He opened his eyes and looked at the moon. Still bent over, his hands gripping his knees, he closed his eyes again and began to breathe more calmly.
Adam, he whispered to himself, Adam put yourself together. This is not the time to be emotional. What's your problem? Calm yourself and just find Radwa. Your only concern is her safety… nothing else. You must convince her to come back.
The fear of losing her to a world far harsher than the one he had built for her kept eating at him. He had to find her, protect her, and take her back with him to the life they once knew.
As the night deepened, Radwa and Elias continued their journey through the forest. They walked side by side. Radwa still held the stick in her hand, and sometimes, as her arm moved, it accidentally brushed against Elias's hand.
Suddenly, Elias stopped and, out of nowhere, jumped in front of her.
Radwa was startled and stepped back quickly. In that moment, she lost her balance and stepped on a dry twig that twisted her ankle. She was about to fall.
Whoa, wait! Elias said quickly.
He grabbed the stick Radwa was holding and used it to steady her, stopping her fall without touching her.
Oh, thank God. Look, I saved you. You should be thankful, huh? he said lightly.
Radwa was still in shock, her mind blank. Elias shook the stick gently, which shook her hand, bringing her back to her senses. She looked at him with wide eyes, and suddenly her eyes filled with tears.
He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, glancing around the dark forest before speaking.
Wait… don't cry, Elias said awkwardly. I'm not good with sympathy.
She looked at him almost angrily, then slowly sat down, pulling her knees close and hiding her face in her folded arms. She cried silently. She wasn't hurt badly—just terrified by the sudden shock. She hadn't been ready for any incident like that.
Elias bent down on one knee and lowered his head slightly, trying to see her hidden face.
Hey… are you okay? He said gently. Don't cry, huh? I'm not very good at comforting people… but I do have some first aid. If your ankle is hurt, let me know… or at least let me see it, if you're okay with that. I can put some ointment on it.
Radwa listened, and suddenly she raised her head and slapped his shoulder.
Elias rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly unsure what to say.
Why would you jump in front of me like that? she said, her voice shaking. You scared me!
Her face was wet with tears, her nose running as she wiped it quickly with her sleeve, still questioning him. Elias looked surprised for a moment, then smiled shyly and rubbed his shoulder.
I'm sorry, he said, looking straight into her eyes, his voice softer now, filled with concern.
Radwa noticed a faint sparkle in his eyes as he looked at her. She shook her head slightly, trying to ignore the strange feeling, and pushed herself to stand—but a sharp pain shot through her ankle, forcing her back onto the ground.
Ah—
Oh, wait, don't move too fast, Elias said quickly, reaching out and gently pulling her arm to steady her.
Madam, he said lightly, trying to ease the tension, you've injured your ankle. Let me see it. May I?
She let out a soft sigh and looked at him, as if she were about to say something—but instead, she slowly moved her injured ankle toward him.
She glanced at him, then smirked faintly and looked down at her foot. Before touching it, Elias asked again, quietly, May I?
She lifted her head and nodded.
Okay… let's see.
Alright, he said, gently taking her foot and examining it carefully. Hmm… it's a little swollen here. Let me apply some joint cream, then I'll wrap it. Okay?
He raised his head to meet her eyes.
Ahmm… okay, she whispered.
Elias reached into his bag, looking for the first-aid supplies. Radwa sat silently, watching him. He took out the ointment and began applying it gently, asking her again and again if it hurt, or if he should be more gentle. Then he wrapped the bandage neatly around her ankle.
There, he said. All done, madam.
Then he looked at her with a small smile. Now… can you tell me your name? So I can be casual with you. I saved your ankle. I think that earns me your name.
She looked down for a moment, then met his eyes and smiled slightly.
Hmm… I'm surprised, he said lightly. You smile too.
Radwa, she said softly. My name is Radwa.
Radwa… he repeated, thinking. Nice name. I don't think I've heard it before. Someone must have chosen it very specially for you, right? What does it mean?
Radwa went quiet. Her thoughts drifted far away—back to Adam. A sudden sadness pressed against her heart. She missed him.
Radwa? Elias said gently. Are you okay? Is your ankle hurting? Or… am I talking too much? It's alright if you don't want to answer.
No… I'm okay, she said softly. It's just… it's nothing.
She sighed and looked at him again.
It means… peace.
Oh, Elias said with a warm smile. That's a lovely meaning.
Yes, she answered quietly.
Elias shook himself slightly, as if pushing away his thoughts.
Okay… we can't keep moving for now, he said. You've hurt your ankle, so we should rest here until you feel better. Understand?
Okay, Radwa said obediently.
Good, he replied. Let me spread the mat so you can sit comfortably.
He took a camping mat from his bag and spread it under a tree, then looked at her. Sit here.
Radwa tried to stand, but she struggled. Elias noticed immediately.
Here, he said, forwarding his hand to her. Hold it. You're not going to get any allergy, okay?
She glared at him for a moment, then slowly raised her hand toward his. He held her carefully, supporting her as she stood, then guided her toward the mat.
Ahh… ahh, she cried in pain.
Okay, okay… don't put pressure on the injured foot, Elias said calmly. Put your weight on me.
For a brief moment, they both looked at each other. Then Radwa hesitantly held his arm so she wouldn't put pressure on her ankle.
Carefully, he guided her to the mat and helped her sit down. Then he sat beside her quietly.