The gentle rush of the river sounded like a lullaby gliding through the forest—a soft murmur in the quiet night, brushing against their ears and vibrating gently through their bones. It wasn't just the river either. But none of that really mattered right now.
What truly mattered was that Tonya and Steve had finally made it to the water. They moved slowly, weariness in their steps, the weight of what they had just witnessed still pressing down on them like a shadow they couldn't shake. They needed something—anything—to pull their minds away from that horror. And besides, they looked filthy. A quick wash wouldn't heal their hearts, but at least they could keep themselves clean, for now.
"Steve..." Tonya's familiar voice reached out to him softly, threading through the hush of the forest.
Steve turned at the sound, glancing over his shoulder. There was nothing but trees swaying gently behind him. Still, he thought he heard her voice faintly. He replied anyway, his voice low.
