What if the saints of old walked among us today-would we honor their triumphs, or whisper about their secrets?
Zarinna knows the weight of hidden truths. Once devoted, now marked by choices she cannot undo, she carries shame like a shadow she cannot...
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"GINA!" Zarinna called out, her voice trembling slightly as she panted, long legs straining to match her friend's pace. "Wait for me!"
"You alright?" Gina's voice floated back, warm and teasing, her lips curved in that effortless smile that somehow made Zarinna feel both guilty and comforted.
"Yeah..." Zarinna breathed, her chest heaving, "How... how can you walk so fast uphill?" Her gaze flicked around nervously. The grassy, open grounds of their camp were behind them; now, jagged rocks and tangled roots clawed at the forest floor beneath her boots. The hiking she had dreaded so much had begun, and she had no choice but to force herself to keep moving, step by painful step.
Zarinna scratched the back of her head sheepishly.
"Come on, then. Let's sit a bit," Gina said, waving her over toward a patch of flattened earth beside the path.
"Thanks..." Zarinna murmured, settling down. Relief washed over her; she had feared being paired with Mylene, her usual camp partner, who could be relentless. Ma'am Mel's decision to switch partners had spared her. She shook off the thought—best not dwell on it.
"Ah," Gina sighed, stretching her arms, "How are we ever going to find those flags if we keep moving like this?"
Zarinna's mind wandered to the Principal's instructions. This wasn't just a hike; it was a scavenger hunt—a challenge layered over an uphill trek. Somewhere in these woods, small flags waited to be discovered. Somewhere. How did anyone manage to hide them in such a dense forest? Zarinna grimaced, imagining the hours of effort required.
"Sorry for being a burden," she murmured.
"Oh, don't worry, Rinna," Gina replied with a gentle smile. "Come on, let's keep moving. We have to find at least two of those flags. And I'm not washing giant pots, utensils, or whatever else as punishment for missing them."
Zarinna couldn't suppress a laugh. That threat alone fueled her forward. With renewed determination, they rose and continued along the path.
Minutes later, the two were surrounded by a symphony of green: towering trees, dense bushes, delicate grasses brushing their ankles. A turn to the left revealed a tall shrub snagging a flash of white.
"Gina!" Zarinna's voice rang with excitement. "Look!"
Gina followed her outstretched finger and beamed. "It's a flag!" She dashed to the shrub, plucking the fabric triumphantly.
"Yes!" They squealed together, hearts soaring with the joy of small victories, the thought of avoiding dish duty that evening an added delight.
"Rinna," Gina said after a few steps, pointing to a massive tree cloaked in wild vines, "See that tree over there?"
