Chapter 47
He reminded her that the area was dangerous and urged her to leave quickly. The people chasing him were closing in, and she wouldn’t make it out alive if she stayed.
But the girl didn’t leave. Instead of running, she struggled to drag him with her, pulling him into a hidden cave.
“Big Brother, this place is safe. They won’t find us here,” she said.
He looked at the girl–so young, only a child. It was already into the winter months, but she was wearing just a thin, faded dress
that had been washed so many times it was nearly white. It seemed like she had been in this forest alone for a long time, her only
companion the tattered doll she clutched in her arms.
He was badly injured, his body icy–cold.
The girl reached out and hugged him. “Are you cold? If I hold you like this, you won’t feel cold anymore.”
He looked into her eyes, so clear and bright.
“Why are you here alone? Where’s your home? Where are your parents?” he asked.
The girl was silent for a moment. “I have no home, no parents. No one wants me in this world.”
He pulled her into his arms. “If I survive, I’ll take you out of here. I want you around.”
He took off the crystal pendant around his neck and placed it on hers.
They spent the night in the cold cave, holding each other for warmth. Their shared body heat kept them alive through the night.
But when he woke the next morning, the girl was gone. He couldn’t find her.
His comrades arrived, and he had no choice but to leave by helicopter.
“Where are you…? Don’t leave!” Stanley mumbled in his sleep, suddenly jolting awake.
It had been a dream. He had dreamed of that girl again.
In fact, he had found her long ago–that girl had been Jessica.
Everyone in his circle knew that he and Jessica were a perfect couple. He had kept Jessica by his side all these years, raising her to
be spoiled and radiant.
Everyone knew she was his precious one.
But even with Jessica right next to him, he still often dreamed of that girl from his past.
He dreamed of her thin body, so determined as she dragged him along.
He dreamed of her warmth, holding him close.
1/2
+20 Bonus
And he dreamed of her sudden disappearance, waking up in shock from it.
Stanley tried to move, but then he suddenly realized there was a soft, fragrant body in his arms.
Looking down, he saw Wendy lying there, her head resting against his chest.
The memories from the night before came flooding back. He remembered everything–how they had ended up lying together.
She had curled her delicate back against him, and he had wrapped his arms around her from behind.
They had spent the night like that, wrapped in each other’s warmth.
Now, it was the next morning. The brilliant sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room.
Wendy lay in his arms, her small, pale face so soft that even the tiny hairs on her cheek seemed to glow. Her long lashes hung
gently, like delicate little fans.
She lay so peacefully and softly in his embrace, and for a moment, Stanley felt like the whole world had quieted down.
It was as if the girl from his past had returned to him.
He stared at her, unable to tear his eyes away. He watched her for what felt like forever.
Then Wendy shifted slightly, still asleep. The loose white shirt she wore slipped off her smooth right shoulder, revealing the soft
curve of her skin.
Stanley’s eyes darkened. He was fully healed now, and as a young man, his body was naturally sensitive in the morning. With her
body pressed so closely against his, he quickly turned his gaze away.
Stanley remembered the wound on her waist.
They were both covered by a blanket, but he gently lifted her shirt, careful not to look below.
Soon, her waist was exposed. The bruises on her soft, pale skin were alarming to see.
