Alright, he finally said, after a thoughtful pause. You dont need to be so sad. Perhaps Holden didnt die. He and Adrian had jumped out of the car with me just seconds before the car exploded.
Bennett hoped his words would elevate Arianas mood, yet she remained impassive, entrenched in her own thoughts without a hint of change.
Bennett strained his ears but discerned no sound. A sudden concern gripped him-perhaps she had passed out.
With effort, he propped himself up and reached over to gently shake her. At last, she moved and looked up, her eyes brimming with tears, red and swollen. Nonetheless, she resisted the urge to cry, resolved not to show her tears in his presence.
Wait, are you actually crying? I didnt do anything to you! Why the tears? Bennett was utterly perplexed, rambling without clarity.
He could only watch Ariana, longing for her to revert to her typically spirited self-fiery and confrontational, anything but tearful.
Ariana stopped hiding her face and locked eyes with Bennett, maintaining her silence.
Alright, Ill take you to find those two guys. Just please, no more tears. Im at a loss if you continue like this, Bennett conceded after a pause, exhaling deeply. However, we need to agree on some guidelines-no violence against me, and you need to follow my lead.
At his proposal, a flicker of hope sparked in Ariana, but she swiftly masked her reaction, her gaze sharpening with distrust. But what if this is a trick?
Take it or leave it. Bennett smirked. Trust but verify. If you cant trust me, youre free to venture alone. But like I said before, you wont make it out of these woods by yourself.
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Ill trust you this time, Ariana replied, though her voice carried a harsh warning. But just so you know, if you try any tricks, ILL strip you, tie you to a tree, and cut you into pieces until your last breath!
You certainly have a knack for torment. Maybe you really should be by my side, Bennett teased, undisturbed by her words.
Ariana, livid, almost resorted to violence again. Keep dreaming! Just get up and lead the way.
Alright, alright, Bennett responded with nonchalance. Ive got a broken leg, so I cant move quickly or support myself. Find a sturdy branch to serve as a crutch for me.
Only then did Ariana notice his leg, adjusting her position for a clearer view. It was indeed severely hurt.
Eager to get moving, she squatted down to examine it more closely, confirming it was indeed a fractured ankle with a clear displacement.
Bennett was telling the truth.
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After reflecting briefly, Ariana stood, walked to the nearby trees, and selected several branches. She then retrieved some ointment from her backpack and arranged everything neatly in front of Bennett.
Youre not planning to set the bone for me, are you? Bennett asked, his expression showing clear distrust.
Just be quiet and let me handle this, Ariana said as she took hold of his foot. She gently touched the area, massaging until his muscles relaxed. With a precise and swift movement, she realigned the displaced bone. She then applied the ointment, positioned the branches along the fracture, and secured everything with a tight bandage.
The entire procedure was carried out seamlessly, with no hesitation or unnecessary actions, leaving Bennett utterly stunned.
Bennett raised an eyebrow. Ever taken a medical course? he asked.
No, Ariana answered without looking up. Just some basic survival training. Youve never learned that before?
Bennett found himself unexpectedly on the defensive, struggling to regain his composure. Before he could reply, Ariana continued, I thought you were tough. How come you dont know the basics of setting a bone? So useless.