: : : Sophie : : :
The dense forest closes in around us as Kieran leads me deeper into the woods. We've been trekking all day, the canopy above shading us from the sun's intensity, but as we ascend, the trees begin to thin, revealing glimpses of the sky. My legs ache with every step, but I push through, driven by the determination in Kieran's stride.
“How much further do we have to go?” I ask, careful not to sound like I’m whining.
“Just a little bit more,” He stops and turns back to look at me. As soon as he does this, I instinctively stand up straighter, acting like this three hour trek is a cakewalk.
But no, it really isn’t. I haven’t had this much exercise since gym class in high school. My legs are turning into jell-o and I’m sweating like a sinner in church.
“Do you want me to
