"Well…maybe because I don't want to wander around in these woods for another hour while looking for your friend if I let you go alone."
The boy shrugged his broad shoulders, and somehow, hearing his curt answer, Earl's heart leaped with a hint of relief.
He didn't contemplate much this time, and, without another word, he hurried after the boy deeper inside the trail.
As they kept going, the atmosphere grew heavier, and giant branches grazed their hands and shoulders as they forced their way through the overgrowth.
The sunlight was also getting dim compared to how bright it was before they ventured deeper into the woods.
And with every passing minute, the tension about Ren's safety grew intense in Earl's head, making him a bit absent-minded while he continued walking.
THWACK!
"Ah!"
All of a sudden, before he could notice, Earl's foot caught the edge of a hidden rock in the muddy grassy path. He lost his balance completely and crashed hard into the mud.
