The Administrator

Chapter 2.3 - Ice Packs And Gratitude

"You should go and ask about water to Mr.C and I should check the supplies for that axe."

We're now standing alone in an open ground covered in shades. I was discussing our next course of action with Liz. As these two things are in opposite directions I thought it would be better to cover the ground quickly by the two of us and return back soon.

"Huh?! Y-yeah..."

She immediately replied in surprise.

Besides before walking here, it seemed like she was forcing herself to accompany me. So it would be better if I gave her some personal space, right?

"...So which way should I go again?"

What?! Now I am having doubts about sending her alone. But,

"...Just go straight from here and you will see a narrow stream. Cross that and walk a bit further and you will reach there. Once you procure the water come back here and we can go back together. Okay?"

"Oh!! yes...thanks for the explanation."

After giving her the directions I walked away without having a second thought. From behind I kept hearing her words of gratitude fading as I walked further. Even though there are students behind this grove of trees I felt a hint of guilt leaving all alone by herself like that. Then again she was the one who insisted so...

"Aaaaaaaahhhhhh!!!"

A loud scream reverberated in that forest. Even though the voice was coming from all directions I started to run back without hesitation like I had a clear goal in mind.

"Liz...!!! Where are you, Liz...?!!!"

I ran at full speed through the bushes shouting her name.

"G-Glenn...I-I'm here..."

I could hear faint voices and not soon after I found her lying upside down between the bushes. She must have slipped and fallen on walking but it seems like the plants cushioned her fall.

I immediately gave her a hand and pulled her out where she stood still with cheeks burning red.

Then again I am glad to see her fine. That faint sense of guilt I had overwhelmed my current self.

-If the bushes were not there she might hit her head and lose her consciousness or even something worse might have happened and it would be my fault.

Thoughts like this flashed through my head over and over whenever I looked into her face.

"T-thank you for saving me...", she said warmly still holding my hands.

"O-oh it's no big deal. So are you fine?"

"Yes, I am." 

I helped her to get up but her knees gave out and she started to fall back into the ground with a scream. But I supported her before that happened.

"What happened?", I asked her anxiously.

"It's my leg. I think it got cramped."

Yes, she was right. A swelling can be seen near her ankle. A wave of guilt washed over me as I looked at her leg.

With a determined face, I said, "Come on. I will carry you."

"Heh?!!", she exclaimed in a flurry state of embarrassment.

"You heard me. I will take you to the infirmary."

"N-no you don't have to force yourself! If I rest here for a bit then I can walk, well at least to the camp. And I don't want to become a burden to you."