Liliam

I stood at the entrance of the forest trail, the one people usually took for hiking. It was Sunday, and after a restless night, I had decided to take Zeff’s advice. Maybe a hike would help clear my mind, help me sort through the tangled mess of emotions that had been building up over the past few days. I wasn’t much of a hiker—definitely not the outdoorsy type—but the idea of fresh air and solitude was appealing.

The trees loomed tall around me, their leaves a canopy of green that filtered the sunlight into soft, dappled patches on the ground. I took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of pine and earth, and started down the trail. The path was well-worn, the dirt packed down by countless feet over the years. It was supposed to be a simple trail, one that even beginners like me could handle.

Or so I thought.

Halfway down the trail, I started to question my decision. The terrain had become uneven, the roots of the trees winding across the path like hidden traps waiting to snag the unsuspecting. I was too focused on my thoughts, too distracted by the memories of the past week, and didn’t see the root sticking out.

Before I knew it, my foot caught on one of those roots, and I went down hard. I landed with a thud, my hands and knees scraping against the rough ground. The sting of pain shot up my legs, and I cursed under my breath.

“Great,” I muttered to myself, wincing as I tried to stand up. “This was such a bad idea.”

As I tried to push myself up, my foot slipped on a patch of damp leaves, sending me sprawling back to the ground. “Damn it!” I shouted, frustrated with myself. Covered in dirt and old leaves, I felt utterly ridiculous. “Why did I think this was a good idea? Stupid, stupid…”

I struggled to my feet again, my ankle throbbing slightly from the fall. Just as I was about to curse my luck again, I heard a familiar voice.

“Need a hand?”

I looked up, startled, and saw Zeff standing a few feet away, a knowing smile on his face. He was dressed casually, in a dark green hoodie and hiking boots, looking every bit at home in the forest.

“Zeff?” I blinked, surprised and a little embarrassed. “What are you doing here?”

He chuckled, stepping closer and extending a hand to help me up. “I could ask you the same thing. You said you’d think about it, but I didn’t expect to find you out here so soon.”

“I… I just thought I’d give it a try,” I said, taking his hand. His grip was firm and warm, and he effortlessly pulled me to my feet. “But clearly, I’m not cut out for this.”

He laughed softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Hey, it happens to the best of us. You’re doing fine. Just need to watch where you’re stepping.”

I couldn’t help but smile, despite the embarrassment. “Thanks. I guess I’m a bit out of my element.”

Zeff glanced down at my ankle, his expression turning serious. “You hurt yourself?”

I shook my head. “It’s just a little sore. I’ll be fine.”

He nodded, his gaze lingering on me for a moment longer than necessary. “Mind if I join you? I know this trail pretty well, could show you around.”

I hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Yeah, I’d like that. Thanks.”

As we started walking again, I felt a sense of calm settle over me. The forest seemed less daunting with Zeff by my side, his presence comforting and reassuring. We walked in silence for a while, the sounds of nature around us—the rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds—creating a peaceful backdrop.

“So, what made you decide to come out here?” Zeff asked after a while, glancing over at me.

I shrugged, keeping my eyes on the trail. “I don’t know… I guess I just needed to clear my head. Things have been… complicated lately.”

“How did you manage to get away from Owen without him getting annoyed?” Zeff asked, breaking the comfortable silence.

I glanced at him, a small smile tugging at my lips. “He had a new training to attend in the Washington division.”

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We continued walking, the sound of our footsteps blending with the rustling leaves and distant bird calls. The trail began to incline, and I felt a slight burn in my legs as we ascended. It was a pleasant reminder of physical exertion, something I hadn’t experienced in a while.

Zeff glanced at me, his eyes filled with curiosity. “How are you liking it? “

I took a moment to gather my thoughts, focusing on the rhythmic crunch of leaves beneath my boots. “It’s something new,” I admitted. “I’ve been most of my time closed up at home, reading or writing. But... it feels right. ”

We reached a clearing with a breathtaking view of the valley below. I paused, taking in the sight of rolling hills and dense forests stretching out as far as the eye could see. It was a moment of pure tranquility, a stark contrast to the turmoil that had been my life recently.

Zeff stood beside me, his arm brushing against mine. “This is one of my favorite spots,” he said softly. “It’s a good place to think, to find clarity.”

We stood there for a while longer, soaking in the beauty of the landscape and the quiet comfort of each other’s presence. It was a reminder that amidst the chaos and uncertainty, there were moments of serenity and connection that made everything worth it.

He turned to face me, his expression serious yet tender. “Come.” He offered his hand to guide me down the trail.

I took Zeff’s hand, carefully following his lead as we descended along the narrow, winding trail. His steady grip was a constant reassurance, grounding me as we navigated the uneven terrain. The silence between us was comfortable, filled only with the sounds of nature—the rustling of leaves overhead, the chirping of birds hidden among the branches, and the distant murmur of a stream that promised something beautiful ahead.

As we moved deeper into the forest, the sound of water grew louder, the faint murmur becoming a rushing roar. My curiosity piqued, I glanced over at Zeff, who smiled knowingly. “You’ll see,” he said, his voice barely audible over the increasing volume of the water.

A few moments later, we emerged into a clearing, and I gasped at the sight before us. A magnificent waterfall cascaded down from a cliff above, its waters tumbling into a pool far below. The sunlight filtering through the trees caught in the spray, creating a shimmering mist that danced in the air. Beyond the pool, a river wound its way through the forest, its waters glittering in the light.

“It’s beautiful,” I breathed, my eyes wide with awe.

Zeff grinned, pleased by my reaction. “I thought you might like it. Not many people know about this spot.”

I walked closer to the edge, mesmerized by the sight of the water rushing down. I leaned forward to get a better look at the river below, the roar of the waterfall filling my ears. I felt a sense of exhilaration, a rush of adrenaline at being so close to the edge, to something so wild and untamed.

“Be careful,” Zeff warned, stepping closer behind me. “The ground can be slippery here.”

“I’m fine,” I replied, trying to sound confident even though my heart was pounding. The view from the edge was breathtaking, but I was more focused on not losing my footing. I shifted my weight to get a better look at the waterfall below, but in my haste, my sore ankle betrayed me.

I gasped as my foot slipped, and instinctively, I reached out, trying to grab Zeff’s arm. But my fingers barely brushed him as I stumbled forward, the ground beneath me vanishing in an instant.

Panic surged through me as the sensation of weightlessness took over, my stomach lurching as I felt myself falling. My mind raced—this was it. The roar of the waterfall grew louder, the cold mist from the spray hitting my face as I tumbled through the air. Everything was moving too fast, and yet, in that moment, time seemed to slow down. I saw Zeff leap toward me, his eyes wide with determination.

We hit the water with a force that knocked the air from my lungs. The icy shock of it stole every thought from my mind as I plunged beneath the surface. The world around me became a blur of bubbles and swirling currents. My limbs flailed in the cold, dark water, disoriented and desperate to find the surface.

For a brief, terrifying moment, I had no idea which way was up.

Then, I felt it—a strong hand closing around mine, pulling me up with undeniable force. My chest burned as I fought to reach the surface, and when I finally broke through, I gasped for air, my lungs burning.

Zeff was beside me, his grip firm, his presence an anchor in the chaotic waters. “I’ve got you,” he said, his voice calm but strained. His hair was plastered to his forehead, and the intensity in his eyes told me he was just as shaken as I was, though he masked it well.

“You okay?” he shouted over the roar of the waterfall.

I nodded, still catching my breath, the adrenaline coursing through my veins. “Yeah… I think so.”

Zeff’s expression softened with relief, and he gave me a small, reassuring smile. “Hold on to me,” he said, wrapping an arm around my waist to keep me close. Together, we swam away from the base of the waterfall, the current pushing us downstream.

The cold water rushed past us, but Zeff’s strong arm around me was a steady anchor. He guided us toward a calmer part of the river, where the current was gentler, and we could find our footing. I could feel the strength of his body beside mine, the warmth of his skin even in the chilly water.

When we finally reached the riverbank, Zeff helped me up onto the rocky shore. I sat down, still catching my breath, my heart pounding in my chest. The rush of the fall, the shock of the cold water, and the exhilaration of being so close to Zeff—it was overwhelming.

Zeff knelt beside me, his eyes filled with concern. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

I nodded, a shaky laugh escaping my lips. “Yeah, I’m… I’m okay. That was… unexpected.”

He chuckled, a hint of relief in his eyes. “You sure know how to make a hike interesting.”

I laughed again, the tension easing from my body. “I guess I do.”

As the adrenaline began to fade, I realized how close we were, Zeff’s arm still around me, his hand resting on my back. I could feel the heat of his skin, the steady rhythm of his breathing. My heart was still racing, but now for a different reason.

Damn my heart and damn by body.