She couldn't quite hear it clearly, but her nerves were on edge. The sound seemed to be more of a whisper, almost like her ear was playing tricks on her.
"Could it be my imagination? Or is that sound coming from this room?" she muttered to herself as she stood up, beginning to search her surroundings. However, she found nothing that resembled the voice she had heard.
The noise was a strange mix, like a cross between a frog and a cat—something she had never encountered before, and it made her mind race with unsettling thoughts.
As she searched, she considered that it might just be the sounds of guests at the party. Deciding to return to her bed, her eyes suddenly caught something eerie that seized her attention.
She halted, questioning whether she had truly seen something strange. Steeling herself, she slowly turned her gaze back to the spot that had intrigued her. It was a painting hung on the wall.
"What kind of art is that?" she wondered internally as she reached out to touch the wall and gazed closer at the painting. Everything about it felt unsettling; there was a creature depicted that was difficult to describe.
After a moment of contemplation, she convinced herself it was nothing to worry about and climbed back into bed, relishing the softness of the sheets.
"Hmm, I know John made this room special for just him and my sister... but now they're not here to enjoy it. Well, I should stay quietly and leave before I spoil the surprise if my sister returns."
"Well, he should have been home by now. I can just call Rose to see if she's coming. If she's not, then the bed is all mine! How I wish I could find an amazing lover like John, who loves me the way he loves my sister so dearly. Maybe today is the day," she said to herself while lying in bed.
She grabbed her handbag and picked up her phone, but the call to Rose wasn't connecting at all.
                   • At The Forest •
Rose was still fast asleep, seemingly having slept for several hours. Slowly, she began to wake up, yawning and stretching her body.
As her eyes adjusted to the light, she noticed Sam, who was busy organizing a table. She tried to get back on her feet to see what he was doing.
Reaching for the wood behind her, she used it to help herself stand up, only to realize that the pain in her leg was gone. Her wound had healed, and she felt no discomfort anymore.
Staring in disbelief, she marveled at the miracle. Sam must have been incredibly skilled, as she knew that even a professional doctor would take days to heal such an injury.
“Why are you holding onto something to stand? You should be okay by now,” Sam said.
She looked at him, her face lighting up with a smile and happiness. Standing firmly on her feet, she replied, “I’m fine now, thank you very much.”
He nodded and arranged a seat beside the table he had covered.
“It’s time for lunch,” he announced, uncovering the table to reveal a feast of mouthwatering meats, beautifully prepared and accompanied by fresh tomatoes.
The aroma filled her senses as she approached and took a seat, staring at the meal as if she had never seen anything like it before—because she truly hadn’t.
“You made this?” she asked, her eyes wide with surprise.
He nodded proudly.
"I told you, I've lived in the wilderness like this my entire life. I'm used to it, but I also..." He paused, swallowing hard, while Rose widened her eyes, waiting for him to finish his thought.
"I also felt different having you here. It gave me a sense of responsibility, to care for someone, and I really felt good about it." His gaze dropped to the floor. Rose gently placed her hand under his chin, lifting his face until their eyes met.
"I know how you feel. I feel the same way about you. Even when I was at home, I knew it was risky, but I had to come look for you," she said. He smiled slightly, blinking at her.
They stared deeply into each other's eyes again. Rose could feel her heart racing; it was as if her body was calling out for Sam. It was Sam that she desired.
His captivating eyes only fueled her feelings as she caressed his cheeks softly. Her gaze drifted down to his attractive chest, leaving her momentarily frozen.
She placed her other hand behind his head and kissed his lips gently. She wanted to kiss him again, but he pulled back. He always seemed to be the one to retreat, and she couldn't understand why. But now, she could sense his heart and felt that there was someone else inside it.
As he pulled away, she slowly lowered her hand from his head.
"I'm sorry..." He said.
"No, you don’t have to be," she interrupted, nodding her head.
"I understand how you feel. You have someone in your heart? I used to feel the same way about someone else," she confessed.
"Really?" he asked, and she nodded. She remembered resisting many boys who wanted her, who would have done anything just to have her in their bed. But she resisted them all because of John.
She loved John so much that she would do anything for him. John wanted to make love to her too, but she quickly reminded him that she was a virgin. She had promised to give herself to him as his birthday gift, which made her firm in her decision. John was the only one she was ready to give herself to, no matter what other guys claimed about love.
However, she couldn’t believe that she was now craving to give herself to an unknown stranger—someone she didn’t even know. She just couldn’t understand the feelings she was having for this particular guy.
“You should eat so you can go home; it’s getting late,” Sam said to her.
But that was the part she didn’t want to hear. Leaving his presence felt impossible, especially after the risk she had taken to find him.
“Sam, please, I want you to come with me. Follow me back home. I don’t want to leave without knowing that you’re living a dangerous life in this forest. Look around you, Sam,” she whispered as he gazed around at her request.
There was nothing special about the woods—just trees, birds, and the sounds of wild animals. He swallowed hard.
“Look, I’m not happy here. I know there’s no reason to stay, but it’s about my life. I’m searching for my parents. Before my dad died, he told me that he wasn’t my real father and that my real dad was still out there, waiting to see me. That’s why I left my previous home,” he finally spoke softly, and she placed her hand on his cheek.
“Then let me help you find them. How will you find them if you stay here in the forest?” she asked.
“No, staying in the forest is crucial for my safety. I’m hiding from people who want me dead, which is why I asked you not to tell anyone about me. It could be anyone,” he explained, pausing as she gazed at him. Now she understood where all the problems were coming from.
She felt a deep sense of compassion for him. The way he spoke revealed how much he had truly been through, and he deserved nothing less than a comforting love.
"You have really endured a lot. But who are the people after you?" she asked. He shook his head gently.
"I'm sorry, I can't tell you right now. I just have to be careful about who I share my life with from now on. The last time I did, it didn't end well," he replied, and she nodded in understanding.
"Then let me stay here with you! I don’t want to leave you behind. I want to be here with you, please," she pleaded.