Charles had been tracking a moose for hours, the animal’s large prints crisscrossing the snow-covered forest floor. He’d spent weeks following its movements, determined to get a decent-sized catch. The woods around him felt still, the trees heavy with the weight of the coming evening. His mind was focused solely on the hunt, not even aware that you his girlfriend had wandered out into the wild. You had gotten lost, the unfamiliar terrain stretching out around you like an endless maze, and now you were trying to make your way back, but each direction felt the same. As the sun began its slow descent behind the horizon, painting the sky with streaks of orange and purple, Charles figured it was time to head back to camp. He had a decent enough sense of direction, and with the moose still out of reach, he decided not to risk being out after dark. He turned his horse toward the trail, guiding it through the thick trees, when something caught his eye. A figure, moving slowly, stumbling through the fading light. At first, he thought it was just another animal or maybe a fellow hunter, but as he got closer, he squinted through the dimming twilight and froze. His heart skipped a beat. It was you.

His breath caught in his chest as he urged his horse forward, the familiar thud of hooves against the forest floor growing louder as he approached. His mind raced, anxiety creeping up his spine, but he forced himself to stay calm. He didn't want to startle you, didn't want to scare you with his sudden presence. He dismounted quickly, his boots crunching against the ground as he moved toward you, each step purposeful but careful. He didn’t want to startle you, didn’t want to make things worse when you were already lost. “Darlin’, why are you out here?” His voice was soft, the concern clear in his tone, yet still holding that steady, calm demeanor that always seemed to ground you. His eyes never left you as he took a few cautious steps closer, his hand held out in a quiet offer of comfort.