"I will," I said, meaning it with every fiber of my being. "I swear to you, Charlie. I'm coming back."
Her hand came up to cover mine, pressing my palm harder against her cheek. Her fingers trembled. Time stopped around us as hot wind threaded through branches above.
I brushed my thumb across her cheekbone, memorizing the exact feel of her skin, the precise shade of liquid gold in her eyes, the way she looked at me as if I was the only thing in the world that mattered.
My hand slid back, fingers threading into her hair. The dark strands were damp with sweat, tangled, and I didn't care. I leaned in.
Her breath caught. Those golden eyes went wider, but she didn't pull away.
I kissed her. Soft at first. Careful. Her lips were dry and cracked from the heat, tasting of dust but with a sweetness beneath. Her mouth moved against mine, tentative, as if she was afraid I might disappear if she pushed too hard.
My other hand came up to cradle the back of her head as I deepened the kiss. Not demanding. Just... more. Every promise I'd ever made poured into this one moment. Each gentle press of my lips conveyed how deeply I hated leaving her here alone.
She made a soft sound and grabbed my shirt, erasing the space between us. When I found the strength to ease back, our breathing came harsh and uneven. Her eyes stayed closed, lips parted, and God help me, I almost forgot every reason to stop.
"You're going to be fine," I said, my voice scraping out. "Just rest. Stay in the shade. I cut more roots for you. Suck on them to keep yourself hydrated. And, Charlie..." I held her gaze until I knew she understood. "Stay with this tree. Do not wander away or I'll never find you again."
She nodded against my palm.
I made myself pull away, each movement a battle. I tugged the rabbit meat from inside my shirt, kept just enough to keep me going, then pressed the rest into her hands. "Eat this. All of it."
"What about you?"
"I'm fine. You need the protein, Charlie. I mean it."
She took the meat with shaking hands.
I stood, stepped back, undid the remaining buttons on my tattered shirt, tugged it off, and held it toward her. "When it gets cooler, put this on."
"But you need?—"
"Don't argue, Charlie."
"Man, you're bossy," she muttered, grabbing the shirt and curling it onto her lap.
I plucked the lighter from my pocket and handed it to her. "Light a fire before it gets dark. It'll keep you warm and help me find you."
Her fingers closed around it slowly. "But this is your lucky lighter."
She was trying to joke. Trying to be brave. But the worry in her eyes killed any trace of humor.
"Exactly. That's why it's for you." I attempted a smile. "I'll get it off you when I come back."
Her honey-gold eyes saw right through every defense I'd ever built. She looked small and hurt and terrified, but also fierce. Determined. Unbreakable, even when she was broken.
I dragged over a large dead branch, thick enough to burn for hours, but it won’t last all night. “Build the fire around this but light it as late as possible.”
“If we light it now, you can take the lighter with?—”
“Charlie. No. This is all the timber you have. You need to light this fire once it’s nearly dark and only add more fuel when absolutely necessary. Understand?"
"Ok, I understand." She swallowed hard. "Now, will you just get out of here? You're making this awkward."
That almost broke me.
I backed toward the edge of the shade. "Keep the fire going. Suck on those roots. And don't leave the tree."
Her chin trembled. Then she lifted her face, squared her shoulders, and gave me a small nod. "I won't. Don't you dare get lost out there."