-Rivanna-
“Come here,” he beckoned.
I hesitated, reluctant to approach him, but I knew he would only come to me if I didn’t comply. We rose early in the morning, prepared to resume our journey and reach the physician—hopefully by the following morning, or if luck favored us, before nightfall.
We hadn’t spoken much since it felt like I had divulged too much. I realized I needed to keep my guard up from now on. He was too adept at getting me to open up. I shouldn’t allow that, but it felt like I was gradually succumbing to his influence, slowly being manipulated into trusting him and even starting to believe him. I had to be stronger than that.
“Red,” he called, his tone cautionary.
“I’m coming!” I responded.
I couldn’t delay any longer. He would simply pursue me, and we’d engage in an
