The house was bathed in silence, only the soft hum of crickets outside breaking the stillness. Athea slowly blinked awake, disoriented by the dark, realizing what had roused her: an overwhelming urge to check if this was finally the right moment to sneak out. She glanced at her clock—it was sometime around 1 or 2 in the morning.
Athea (thinking, hopeful): This is it… everyone's asleep. It's now or never.
Holding her breath, she sat up and slipped out from under the covers, cautiously placing her feet on the creaky wooden floor. She tiptoed over to her door, inching it open and peering down the hall. Her parents' room was shut, and no sound came from within.
Athea (whispering, relieved): Okay… they're asleep.
She crept past their door, holding her breath each time the floor groaned underfoot. When she finally reached the front door, she paused to check one last time, then slipped out into the night, shutting the door quietly behind her.
Once she was outside, she took a deep breath, feeling the cool night air on her skin. A thrill of excitement rushed through her, and she couldn't keep from smiling as she took off, her feet hitting the damp earth as she sprinted toward the forest.
Athea (thinking, heart racing): Finally! After a whole week—I'm coming, Rei!
Her pulse was pounding, both from the rush of sneaking out and the thought of finally seeing Rei again. The forest loomed dark and quiet, its trees casting long shadows across her path, but she didn't care. She'd memorized the way, and now nothing could stop her. She couldn't wait to see him, tell him all about her plans that had failed, and hear what he'd been up to since their last meeting.
Athea felt like her heart might burst from the mix of nerves and excitement as she darted through the quiet village, her footsteps soft against the damp ground. She couldn't stop grinning, even though the chilly night air prickled her skin. She whispered to herself, as if talking could steady the pounding in her chest.
Athea (whispering, determined): I'm coming, Rei. Finally.
The village lights faded behind her, and soon the towering trees greeted her at the forest's edge. Shadows stretched out in every direction, and every so often, a branch would snap underfoot, causing her to jump slightly. But nothing could stop her now.
Athea (smiling, breathless): You better be there, or else... (she laughed) Or else I snuck out for nothing, and my dad will find out I'm breaking the rules.
She could almost picture her father's face if he knew. Trying not to laugh, she picked up her pace, deeper into the woods. She was getting close to their spot—she was sure of it.
Athea (excited, whispering to herself): I wonder if he's been waiting... do you think he's wondering if I forgot? No way. I didn't forget, not at all!
Suddenly, a rustling came from nearby, and she froze, clutching a tree trunk. She scanned her surroundings, trying to remember all the warnings she'd overheard the villagers whispering about strange creatures lurking in the woods. But she shook her head, shaking off the fear.
Athea (nervous, but reassuring herself): It's just... probably just the wind, right? Yeah, definitely. I'm being silly.
She kept walking, calling softly, almost in a sing-song tone.
Athea (calling quietly, hopeful): Hey… Are you here? I'm finally back, like I promised. I kept my promise, see?
There was no answer, but she kept moving, half-wondering if Rei would jump out from behind a tree to surprise her.
Athea (smiling, muttering): You better not be hiding! You know I'm braver now, right? I can handle it!
Athea wandered carefully through the darkened woods, the moonlight casting long shadows that stretched and twisted around her. Her eyes darted around the trees, eagerly scanning each nook and cranny. She whispered softly, hoping he'd hear her.
Athea (hopeful, whispering): Rei? Where are you? I'm here… just like I said!
But the only sounds were the distant rustle of leaves and the soft hum of crickets. She swallowed, feeling a strange mix of excitement and nervousness building up in her chest. The night felt alive, every tiny sound amplified in the silence. Then suddenly—
A hand gently laid on her shoulder.