Night's Warmth

Chapter 17 - Snow Field

Three days have passed since then. There are no updates on both the serial killer and Gab's past. For some reason, the university still held face-to-face classes for the last three days even though another victim had been claimed and the town was pure chaos. At least on the bright side, I'm not alone since Gab's with me. I would've been more paranoid and scared than now.

This morning, a lot of unease and a lot of tension had been crawling on my back for a while, even when Gab tried to ease the atmosphere by giving me a hug, an awkward hug to say the least.

For the afternoon, I try to distract myself by completing my projects online while Gab just lounges around in the bedroom. After I'm done, I close my laptop and give out a loud sigh before I lay my head on the study table. Everything is taking a toll on me.

...

I suddenly feel something a bit heavy on my upper back.

"Alex? Are you alright?"

"Ah!"

I jump awake and quickly turn around to see Gab resting his large paw on me and giving me a very concerned look. I nod and try to give him a reassuring smile.

"Yeah yeah, I'm okay."

"Hmm.. Really?" Gab says in a skeptical tone as his expression turns skeptical as well. "It's obvious you've been stressed out with everything that's happening lately."

I sigh. "You've got that correct."

Gab then takes his paw off me and thinks deeply for a moment before his ear twitches.

"How about we go explore that forest near the cabin?"

I look at him wide-eyed. "H-Huh?! T-That's so sudden and random!"

He chuckles. "Probably, but I've been curious about it. Besides, I might remember something if we go there."

"Hmm.." I think for a moment. While exploring the forest might sound fun, I'm still paranoid. "But what if the killer finds us there? What if they could easily overpower you??"

Gab looks back at me with a dazed look and gives out yet another chuckle. "Don't worry 'bout that! We aren't the killer's target so we're good for now. If someone else might be in the forest, I'll protect you, even if I'm still a bit injured."

I realize that his wounds are still healing.

"Speaking of which, how are your injuries coming along?"

Gab's ears rise and he looks down on himself. He stretches some parts of his body and I can see that he's visibly not feeling a strong surge of pain like the first time we met. His tail then wags a little.

"Feels like I'm getting better now. Thanks!"

"No problem."

"So.." He smiles. "What do you say? Do you want us to go to the forest? Or spend the weekends in constant anxiety 'cause of everything that's happening?"

I look at him with a skeptical expression. "Hmm.. Is this your way of trying to ease my stress?"

He then deflates and sighs. "I see.. I won't bother you.." He turns his back at me and sits on the bed.

...

I feel so guilty now. He's just trying to return the favor and help me through these tough times. While I keep worrying about both our safety, it doesn't justify myself letting him down. Plus, Gab might be more paranoid and scared than me. He doesn't show it, but he's definitely anxious for the both of us. The only people he knows are me and Chief Porter but he's not particularly close to him. If I were to get harmed, he'd lose most of the few things he has right now. Also, the forest exploration may also be a way to relieve some stress for him after being cooped-up in the cabin for the past few days.