With Richie back by her side, Sarah felt a renewed surge of hope and determination. The forest, which had seemed so ominous and oppressive, now felt more like a challenge to overcome rather than an insurmountable obstacle. They moved quickly but cautiously, each step taking them further from the nightmare of Fred's pursuit and closer to whatever lay ahead.
The glade where they reunited had a small stream, and they took a moment to refill their canteens and catch their breath. The cool water was a welcome relief, and it gave them a moment to plan their next steps.
"We need to get to higher ground," Richie said, wiping sweat from his brow. "If we can find a vantage point, we can better see if anyone's following us and plan our route."
Sarah nodded. "There's a ridge a few miles west. It's steep, but it offers a good view of the surrounding area. It might give us the advantage we need."
