"What Are You Waiting For?" || ORIGINAL STORY.

Chapter Sixty-One.

Tanya's POV.

Summer camp was officially over, and I got better.

Everyone was packing up, some walking around one last time before leaving, etc.

I felt a bit sad leaving, I had so much fun here.. 

Meeting new friends, doing fun activities—drowning, ehh..

Darren stood beside me, watching as the other students walked around, saying their goodbyes to each other and the teachers.

He was carrying both of our bags and seemed deep in thought, his expression stoic.

"It's crazy to think that summer camp is already over," I said, breaking the silence.

"It feels like we just got here."

Darren nodded, his eyes still scanning the area.

"Yeah, time really flew by," He replied. "It feels like we were just getting settled in yesterday."

"It was fun though," I said, smiling as I thought back to the past few days.

"I'll miss this place, and I made so many new friends."

Darren nodded again.

"Yeah, it was a good experience," He said.

But something was off.. he seemed a little distant today.

I couldn't help but notice that he seemed quieter than usual.

"Hey," I asked, turning to look at him.

"Is everything okay? You seem a little off today."

Darren hesitated for a moment before replying.

"Yeah, I'm fine," He said, his tone neutral.

But his expression told a different story. 

I could tell there was something bothering him.

"Are you sure?" I pushed, sensing that he wasn't telling the whole truth.

"You can tell me if something's wrong, you know."

Darren let out a heavy sigh, his shoulders slumping a little.

"I know," He said quietly.

"I just..." He trailed off, his grip on the straps of our bags tightening.

"What is it?" I pressed, my voice softer now. "You can talk to me, Darren. I'm here for you."

Darren was quiet for a long moment, and his expression conflicted.

Finally, he spoke, his voice low and troubled.

"I.. I can't bear with the thought that.. if Isaac didn't notice you were gone, I would've lost you.. You would've been.. dead." He said, looking down at the ground.

Oh.

Oh.

So that's why he was acting so odd.

I reached out and placed a gentle hand on his arm.

"Hey," I said softly.

Darren reluctantly lifted his gaze to meet mine, and I could see the worry and fear lurking in his eyes.

"I'm okay, Darren," I reassured him, my voice firm but gentle.

"I'm standing here, right in front of you. I'm alive and well. You don't need to worry."

I took a step closer to him, closing the distance between us.

"I'm not going anywhere," I murmured, reaching up to place a comforting hand on his cheek. "I'm right here."