His voice sliced through the quiet forest, bouncing off the trees.
Birds shot out from the branches overhead, scattering like dark shadows. But there was no answer. He dashed barefoot into the clearing, looking around.
No footprints anywhere. No broken twigs. Everything looked untouched.
She was way too good at sneaking around, it was almost scary.
"Zeynep!" he yelled again, his voice shaking with worry. "Zeynep!"
Then, without thinking twice, he took off running. He dashed down the path, then darted off it, pushing deeper into the woods where most people wouldn't dare go at night or even in the early morning light.
His breath came out in quick puffs, visible in the chilly morning air. His heart raced painfully against his ribs. His mind was spinning. He looked in every direction, turning in frantic circles. Nothing. Not a hint of her. He rubbed the back of his neck, his fingers trembling with anxiety.
"Why…" he whispered, voice shaky, "why did you do that? whyyy???"
