That Dark Forest

Chapter 3

She did not feel comfortable with the hand-holding and jerked her hand away.

He did not try again and simply said, "The path that you took to reach in is not the same path that takes you out. This new way is more..tricky. If you feel any sharp thorns on your legs or some invisible hands pulling you backward, just hold on to me."

"Give me one reason to trust you", she spoke bitterly.

"Given our situation right now, I do not have convincing reason. But can you try trusting me for old times' sake?"

She rolled her eyes.

"I don't have an alternative to that, do I?"

He did not reply. She felt a strange tickling on her thighs and looked down to find nothing.

But well, Meira was a girl of huge pride. She just won't turn to Mark for help, given the newly developed disgust that boiled inside her.

But when the tickling grew stronger and some strong windy force seemed to push her backwards, she immediately grabbed Mark by his arm.

He stopped walking and turned to face her. He did not ask anything, her scared eyes seemed to answer everything. He unclasped her hands and protectively wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her closer.

They started walking again with his arms tightly around her. She felt warmer and strangely comfortable.

She whispered gently, "I don't like this, Mark. I don't like how we have reached this phase of dark secrets and all this eeriness."

"I know. I am sorry."

"And I am tired. As much as I want to, I can't walk anymore."

"I would suggest resting a bit but that'll just make you more tired. Look, home is not too far away from here. It's like a fifteen minute walk now."

She closed her eyes and breathed heavily. Suddenly, the burnt wood smell came back, stronger than ever. His arms around her seemed to loosen and she felt very alone in that instant.

The smell gave her a throbbing headache and she passed out.

Hours later, she woke up to the sweet scent of vanilla and lavender. There wasn't any darkness around, the lights were bright and lively. She realised she was on a bed, wrapped generously under a layer of soft blanket.

She was at Mark's house. Been here before, she recognised the room- his room.

Mark sat on a stool by the bed, looking at her with worry.

He wasn't wearing the two jackets anymore. He was dressed in grey pyjamas and a t-shirt. Adjusted the pillows behind her and helped her to get up and sit.

She asked, "What happened?"

"You fainted."

"I remember that. The question is how."

"I guess you were tired and exhausted and all."

"You know very well that I did not faint because of tiredness. You had something to do with it. I need answers, right now."

"Why would I have something to do with it?"

"I don't know. I just get that vibe."

He sighed and passed her a cup of coffee.

She told him,"How long before you give up and give me real answers?"

"Fine. I made you faint."