It's easier to navigate in the daylight. As we walk around the forest, trying to get our bearings, I make cross marks on trees which we have passed using my knife so we won't get lost in this wilderness.
Where did we enter the forest from yesterday? There's no sign of anyone else around which means no one has discovered that we are here.
"This is where those guys attacked!" Pan exclaims as we find ourselves in the place where we stopped to rest after jumping out of the car.
"If I remember correctly, we entered from down there." I say, pointing to the right.
"I think so too. Let's go." Pan says as he walks ahead of me.
"Do you think your family would have informed the police about your disappearance by now?" I ask curiously as I follow him.
He shakes his head, "I usually stay out sometimes when I need to clear my head so they're used to it. It would be another story if people at work told them that I was missing though. I never miss work unless I have a valid issue."
"You're actually a workaholic." I laugh. "I thought you would be a typical lazy rich son."
"Why do I always feel like you find it amusing to take jabs at me whenever you can?" He says.
"Because I do." I admit, sticking my tongue out at his back.
He turns around and grins, "Remind me to knock some percentage off your wage."
"Hey! That's not fair." I protest.
He shrugs, "Life isn't fair."
"That's rich coming from you." I retort.
"Tin, we're finally out!" Pan shouts happily as he glances around.
Looking around us, I see the road. We really are out of the forest! When did we make it out? I was too busy arguing with Pan to notice.
"We can finally go home!" Pan says excitedly like a little child.
I laugh loudly as he jumps and runs around. He must have been just as scared as me yesterday. It must be a relief to know he can go home unscathed.
Smiling, I run up to him and flick his forehead. "You did well." I say.
"What? Why did you flick me, it hurts!" He moans.
I pat his back, "You did well to listen to me yesterday and making it out alive. But this might happen again anytime and we might not be as lucky next time so remember to always obey my instructions at times like these."
He glances at me and suddenly wraps his arm around my neck, "Yes sir!"
"Pan! Let go!" I laugh as he drags me along.
"No."
"Hey, stop! My wound is hurting." I say loudly.
He instantly pulls away, "Sorry Tin. I think we should go to a hospital first."
I nod, "Let me check where the nearest one is. My phone should have signal now and I should still have some battery since I closed it yesterday."
Sure enough, the signal is back. I check on maps and find the location.
"We'll have to take a taxi." I say. "Do you have some money?"
He checks his pockets, "I have some." He says, pulling out some notes. It's good to be rich.
After getting my wound professionally treated at the hospital, we take a taxi home. Fortunately, the house is empty of any guests so no one questions our poor state.
"Will you be okay bathing?" Panda asks.
I smirk, "Are you worried about me?"
His face tints red, "N-no. Don't get me wrong! I just asked because you got hurt trying to protect me."
"But that's my job. I'm your bodyguard remember. As long as I get my wage, I'll survive." I say seriously. In actual fact, I am pretty happy that he is concerned about me but if he wants to help me wash up, it will be a big problem.
"Fine. Keep doing your job well then." He says coldly and walks away. Why did his mood change so suddenly? I was only saying the truth.
It is harder than I thought to bathe whilst making sure water doesn't go on my wound area. The nurse bandaged it pretty well but I'm still weary of it getting wet.
My period seems to be lighter too. Is it because I have already loss so much blood?
Feeling cold and tired, I lie on my bed and wrap myself up in the blanket. I want to sleep forever.
***
Sweating profusely, I twist and turn. I can't get comfy as cold seeps into me. I reach out my hand and feel someone's warm hand near me. Grabbing onto the warmth, I hold on tightly.
"Don't leave." I whisper as I try to warm up.
"I won't." Panda's voice causes me to open my eyes and I gasp as I realise that I am holding his hand.
"Wh-what are you doing?" I ask weakly. My body is sweaty but I am extremely cold.
"You have a fever Tin. It's probably from the wound and because you were exposed to the cold yesterday." Panda explains as he touches my forehead with the back of his hand.
"What time is it?" I ask hoarsely.
"It's 10pm."
I glance around the room. There's a bowl of water and a soaked towel.
"You took care of me?" I ask.
He nods and scratches his nape, "Yes. Of course I did it because you risked your life for me and that's why you became ill."
Did he wipe my whole body? I stare down at my clothes. I'm still in the same clothes and my binder doesn't seem to feel any different. He must have just wiped my arms.
"Thank you. You can go, I'll be fine." I say, pushing him slightly.
"Why do you want to get rid of me so much?" He scowls.
"So you want to stay with me?" I ask with a raised eyebrow.
"Of course not!" He says, flustered.
I lie back down with a sigh once he leaves. I can't let him discover that I am a woman. It hasn't even been long since I started working with him and I have almost aged ten years from these experiences.
Will I be bald by the end of this?