The truck hummed along the highway, no longer headed towards Carys's home but venturing deeper into the unknown. A comfortable silence settled between them, broken only by the rhythmic hum of the engine and the occasional rustle of leaves in the wind.
Carys, her head resting against the window, watched the landscape blur past, a kaleidoscope of colors and textures. A sense of peace, tinged with a bittersweet undercurrent, washed over her. This stolen day, this defiance against the inevitable, felt like a precious gift.
Finally, she turned to Eris, a question forming on her lips. "So, what do you want to do today?" she asked, her voice soft.
Eris, who had been lost in her own thoughts, turned to meet Carys's gaze.
A faint smile touched Eris's lips. "Honestly?" she replied, her voice a gentle rasp. "Anything, as long as I get to spend it with you."
The simple statement, devoid of pretense and filled with genuine sincerity, sent a warmth shooting through Carys. It was a confession she hadn't dared to hope for, a confirmation of the connection they had both felt building between them, a connection that transcended their circumstances.
"How about this," Carys said, a playful glint returning to her eyes. "Remember that story you told me about the hidden waterfall? Let's go find it."
Eris's smile widened. "Sounds like a plan, Princess."
The highway gave way to winding country roads, leading them through sun-dappled forests and quaint villages. They navigated dirt trails, the truck bumping and swaying along the uneven terrain. Finally, they arrived at the trailhead, a narrow path disappearing into the verdant embrace of the forest.
As they embarked on the hike, the air grew cooler, the sun's rays filtered through the dense canopy of leaves. The sounds of the forest filled the air - the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, the distant murmur of a stream. Eris, surprised by Carys's natural agility as she navigated the rocky terrain, found herself drawn to the easy way Carys laughed and the genuine joy that radiated from her.
They reached the waterfall after what felt like an hour of laughter, shared stories, and stolen glances. The scene that greeted them was breathtaking. The water cascaded down a rocky cliff, forming a crystal-clear pool at its base. Sunlight danced on the mist rising from the water, creating a rainbow that shimmered like a jewel.
Carys, speechless for a moment, finally found her voice. "It's beautiful," she whispered, her eyes reflecting the wonder she felt.
Eris nodded, a silent agreement passing between them. They sat in comfortable silence, the sound of the waterfall filling the air. In that moment, the world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only them and the breathtaking beauty of nature.
...
The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the glistening surface of the secluded pool. Carys waded into the cool water, a mischievous glint in her eyes. She turned to Eris, who stood hesitantly on the shore, wearing only her shorts and bra.
"Come on, Eris," Carys beckoned, her voice filled with playful enthusiasm. "The water's fine!"
Eris, who had confessed a complete lack of swimming experience earlier, eyed the river with apprehension. The vast expanse of water seemed daunting, a stark contrast to the controlled environments she was accustomed to.
"I don't know, Carys," she admitted, her voice laced with uncertainty. "It looks... deep."
Carys chuckled, a sound like wind chimes in the summer breeze. "It's not that deep," she assured her, taking a few steps back towards the shore. "You can stand right here, and the water only comes up to your waist."
YOU ARE READING
The Way To You - ENGLOT
Romance"Did this mean anything to you? Did I mean anything to you?" Carys Isobel Avington, the sheltered daughter of a wealthy family, finds herself in the clutches of kidnappers seeking a hefty ransom. Fueled by desperation, she manages to escape their c...
