Abuchi's protective instincts flared, Ekene's silent frustration simmered, and John's internal conflict grew.
The forest had already tested them in countless ways, but now, it seemed to be revealing their true natures too. Their unknown fears, their silent longings for love, all their true feelings.
As the sun dipped lower, casting long shadows through the trees, the weight of their strained relationships hung over them, each person too consumed with their thoughts to speak. Nnenna, quiet as ever, was lost in her own mind, unaware of the tensions between the others.
A week and a few days later...
"I think I see an opening!" Karen shouted, her voice filled with excitement. She had spotted something up ahead, and the thought of finally getting out of the forest made her feel lighter than she had been in weeks. Without hesitation, she broke into a run, her pace faster than the others as she headed toward the clearing.
