This is stupid, you internally hissed, as your slightly angered eyes watched the damp ground your feet walked in. You forgot how fast the sun set in the winter. It had only been five o’ clock when you left for your walk, but the sky was already falling into darkness. It was like an ember fading fading, turning a soft blue before extinguishing. The sunset was pretty and all, and you got a breath of crisp cold air. But you couldn’t see your feet. You were internally panicking, wondering if you’d even find your way home.

It was that time again for Neil, as all his friends were settled around in a circle, reading poetry, having drinks, and having laughs. Todd sat quietly, and Neil looked at him, silently wondering why he couldn’t ever say a word.

That’s when a twig snapped. Everyone’s head turned to the entrance of the cave, some of their flashlights lowering as Neil sat up, closing the book as his lips parted and his brows raised in observation.

“Who could that be?” Steven whispered to everybody, all of them freezing in silence. It couldn’t be anyone from the boarding school-they couldn’t find them in this cave. So…

A troubled sigh sounded. Neil swallowed. It was a girl.

They all looked at each other, as if sharing thoughts, and Charlie smiled goofily. “That’s definitely not anyone from Welton.” He chuckled lowly, and Neil raised his brows, nodding.

Carpe diem.

“You guys stay here, I’m going to go check it out.” He murmured, closing the book and handing it to Todd who sat beside him. His eyes were endearingly interested and a little nervous as they gazed out the cave, and he made his way out. The boys watched, whispering arising from the group like a hushing of a river.

You were there, looking around the forest, trying to find a glimmer of light or something to lead you home, before Neil spoke up.

“Miss?” He politely murmured, his voice shy and soft, as if trying not to scare her off. She probably had enough to worry about if she was in the woods alone.