“Okay,” Yvonne replied.
Though she was still shaken, she responded quickly and hurried out of the car.
She’d already been drenched by the rain once. Though she’d warmed up a bit in the car, her clothes were still damp. Getting out into the rain again made her shiver.
Just then, a warm suit jacket was draped over her shoulders. She looked up to see Samuel standing close while holding an umbrella.
“Don’t catch a cold. We need to hurry. Follow me,” he said.
Samuel tilted the umbrella so it shielded her completely. His white shirt was soaked in the process.
The next second, he grasped Yvonne’s hand and led her up a small path toward higher ground.
In that moment of despair, Samuel’s hand was the only warmth and lifeline Yvonne had. She gripped his hand tightly, following his lead as they both ran.
Her breath came in rapid bursts, and her chest ached from the exertion, but she kept pushing herself forward.
Everything around them was unfamiliar. With danger looming behind her, it was the sheer will to survive that kept her going.
Samuel continued to assess the environment. He spotted an overpass in the distance, which was far from the dangerous mountain terrain surrounding them.
“We’ll head there first. If it’s safe, we’ll stay there to wait for help.
“Okay.” Yvonne’s voice was hoarse.
Suddenly, a deafening rumble echoed behind them.
She turned just in time to see the mountain across from the gas station collapse as a massive mudslide surged down. It quickly devoured everything in its path, covering a span of several yards.
Yvonne froze. If she hadn’t run out, if she hadn’t met Samuel, with her speed, the spot where she’d been standing would have surely been swallowed up.
It was a terrifying reminder of how small and helpless humans were in the face of nature’s wrath.
At that moment, the tilted umbrella suddenly blocked her view, shielding her from the horrifying sight.
“It’s alright. We’re safe now,” Samuel said, reassuring her gently.
Yvonne took a deep breath, slowly pulling herself out of the terror that had gripped her. She nodded, her throat tight with emotion.
“We need to get to an even safer place,” Samuel said.
“Alright.”
Yvonne didn’t look back. Her steps were firm as she followed Samuel.
Samuel led Yvonne on a detour to a higher spot. They were safe in this position for now. However, they were still a distance away from the overpass, and there were no cars or people around.
“What now?” Yvonne asked.
“We rest for a bit,” Samuel replied.
The rain gradually stopped, and their surroundings became clearer The areas marked by the flowing red mud were all
1/2
Chapter 90
dangerous zones.
+25 BONUS
It was then that Yvonne noticed Samuel’s shirt had become completely soaked. She felt both grateful and sorry.
Samuel didn’t let go of her hand. He guided her to a spot where they could sit against a rock.
Yvonne was still shaken, and the earlier sprint had left her exhausted. The fear in her body made her feel extremely weak. “Mr. Hover, we’re both trapped here now. From my side, I’m incredibly lucky to have run into you, but I’ve dragged you into this.
Samuel continued surveying the area, not responding to her immediately. Once he was satisfied with the safety of their location, he returned to her side.
His hair was damp from the rain. His gaze looked sharper than usual, but when he looked at Yvonne, it carried a rare warmth amidst the surrounding chill.
“Don’t worry. We’ll get out of here. You’ll be fine.”
For Yvonne, who’d narrowly escaped danger, his words felt like a promise, soothing all the fear in her heart.
Tears welled up in her eyes as she suddenly felt her throat close, overcome by emotion.
“Can I really believe you?” she whispered.
“Of course.”
Samuel’s smile was gentle. “I’m Samuel Hover, after all.”
