If I could say goodbye to you

PROLOGUE

"Aster, for how long do we have to walk?"

I paused to take in my surroundings, searching for an escape from this never-ending wood. Boy, if I'd only remembered to bring a map and a flashlight before dragging her here with me, this would have been a lot less complicated. Now, thanks to me, we are lost.

"Aster?" I glanced back at Claire to meet her worn-out figure. "You trust me, don't you?"

A heavy sigh escaped her lips, and with a look that could only mean one thing - she was seriously regretting agreeing to come along on my wild and crazy adventure in which I, not forcefully but with so many of my pleads, made her come along with me. 

"We're near," I reassured her as I started following the path again. Although by now, I'm sure Claire has a pretty good grasp on the fact that we're hopelessly lost, but still, she's tagged along.

It was supposed to be an exciting visit to the forest mountain near Arroyo Park in South Bellingham, but my poor sense of direction put a wrench in the plan. I had promised Claire I'd show her the best night sky view from atop the mountain before I leave this town. Unfortunately, things don't always go as expected. I guess this just goes to show that when it comes to orienteering, I'm the furthest thing from an expert!

It's my second time here, and what a difference a day makes.

 Last time when I came here, the forest was bursting with beauty and life. Not to mention, I came really prepared that time.  Now, it's giving off a vibe like a witch's cottage is nearby-though that could just be because the sun's set and the darkness is rolling in. 

 But I still won't risk anything that could harm Claire, though I was the one who brought her here, and I'm the one responsible for making sure she's safe.

"Wait!" she spoke, bringing me to a halt.

"Something wrong?" I asked in a concerned voice.

"The sound of the streams!" she exclaimed. "Did you hear that?" she questioned.

We both stood like statues, listening to the serenely sputtering sound of the stream. Neither of us had any clue what we were doing, but we figured following the noise was better than standing there, and it eventually led us to the waterfall.

"Well, this is it, alright!" I exclaimed with a grin. "What do you mean?" she asked with a hint of confusion.

"This place is nice too, we can stay here." I clarified.

Claire stopped chatting and plunked herself down on a rocky platform; her feet dangling off the edge. She looked exhausted. Anyone could tell that she needed a nap. I plopped down next to her, mimicking her leg position, and surveyed the forest that surrounded us.

After some silence, she asked with a furrowed brow, "Now what? How will we get out of this forest?"

I didn't know how to answer her, so I shrugged, "Maybe we can just follow the stream and try to find a way out." I added, passing an innocent smile, "Or maybe we can just wait here for the rescue."

She just rolled her eyes and sighed.

"You don't have to drag me all the way out here to the middle of nowhere just to show me the same old night sky," she grumbled.

I looked at her in awe, "You're so adorable when you are annoyed."

"Pardon?" She was making sure she heard me correctly.

"Will you miss me?" Yet, I changed the topic.

Her gaze shifted towards the sky again. "Of course not," she replied, but I knew she was lying.