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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ZARINNA HEARD claps of praise as she and David stepped onto the grassy ground once more.
"Good job, teachers!" Macy exclaimed. "I see a tight battle here! Now for the final round—fold your papers, please!"
Cheers of glee filled Zarinna's ears as she watched David fold their newspaper, shrinking it to the size of a single smartphone.
"What do we do now?" she asked, worry threading her voice as the music began.
"I do have an idea," David replied, a smile tugging at his lips as he walked beside her.
"What?" Zarinna's gaze sharpened, demanding an answer.
"But I'm going to need your permission first," he said. Zarinna felt her heart race. What now?
"What is it, Manung?" she asked in panic. "You're going to have to tell me fast—the music is going to stop any second!" As if on cue, the music gradually ceased. "Fine, fine. Do it!"
With a confident nod, David bent down and scooped her into his arms, regaining his posture as he planted his foot firmly on the paper. Zarinna's cheeks flamed crimson, her heart leaping as her feet left the ground.
A louder wave of cheers echoed around them. "Way to go, Sir David!" Macy exclaimed, a wide grin lighting her face.
Zarinna bit her lip, unsure how to respond. Slowly, she lifted her gaze—and froze at David's raven-black eyes. Her heart lurched. How could someone be this handsome? She blinked in realization. Stop it, Zarinna! she silently rebuked herself.
David lifted his gaze, smiling widely as the whistle marked the end of the game.
Zarinna glanced toward the opposing pair, still struggling to fit on their paper. She saw Lauren shift, stepping onto the other teacher's foot in a failed attempt to squeeze in, while Sir George recoiled in pain.
"Alright!!!" Ma'am Macy's voice rang out, her hands clapping in tandem with the others celebrating their victory. Slowly, Zarinna's feet touched the grassy ground.
"You okay?" David asked, a playful grin on his lips. Zarinna resisted rolling her eyes.
"You're really enjoying this, huh?" she teased. David pulled back his head in laughter, and she couldn't help but join him.
ZARINNA released a long sigh as she exited the tent, finally feeling the calm of the games' end. After winning with David, all else had seemed to unravel, proving that it was his skill and effort that had led them to success. She walked toward the large bonfire at the center of the camp, aware of the pout lingering on her lips as she replayed the events.
"Hurry up, Rinna!" Gina called, prompting her to quicken her pace.
"Sorry," Zarinna breathed.
"What, are you still thinking about your 'moment' with Sir David earlier?" Gina teased, a playful glint in her eyes.
