Chapter 2

Along the way, the two people in the front row chatted enthusiastically.

They talked about camera angles, drone flight paths, and which stretch of the wilderness was best for shooting epic dirt bike shots.

They talked about how if they posted this trip on social media, the title would be "One Last Wild Ride Before Graduation."

I sat in the back row, a tablet resting on my lap showing the itinerary I had made.

What time to set off, what time to arrive at the destination, which gas station to fill up at in advance, which section of the road had no signal, and which campground manager to call beforehand to confirm the reservations.

I tried to interject several times. "The camp host for tonight said there are wild wolves wandering around, so it's best to get there before dark."

But no one paid any attention to me at all.

While we were resting by the desert highway at noon, I sent Roman the paved route I had mapped out.

"This dirt road has too many potholes, and it could ruin the suspension. Let's take the highway next to it."

Clara glanced at the GPS. "I just want to take this shortcut to find a good spot for the camera."

"The rougher the road, the more thrilling it is. What's the fun in taking the main road?"

Roman smiled. "No problem. Whatever you say."

I frowned. "But the tires are already heavily worn."

"Blair." His tone revealed obvious impatience. "Can you not be such a buzzkill when we're out having fun?"

"I have a spare tire in the trunk. Why are you exaggerating so much?"

"Besides, don't you trust my driving skills?"

In the end, they insisted on driving the car onto a terrible road full of gravel.

Roman hit the gas and loved every second of the wild ride.

Half an hour later, the SUV got a flat tire. He changed the tire in frustration under the scorching sun, scraping the back of his hand.

I dug out the first aid kit from my bag and used an alcohol swab to clean and bandage it for him.

Clara leaned against the hood, shaking her flask and sneering.

"Blair, it's just a tiny scratch. You sound exactly like his mother."

Roman let me bandage him, but his movements paused for a second before he also chuckled, his tone obscure.

"That's just how she is. Always fussing over me. I've been used to it for a long time."

The fingers I used to pinch the gauze instantly stiffened.

I loved him with all my heart. Even his minor scrapes hurt me.

But coming out of their mouths, it became a cheap joke.

In the afternoon, the SUV continued to speed through the wilderness.

The weather suddenly turned. Sand swirled all around us, smacking against the windshield with a crackling sound.

I couldn't help but remind Roman, "Slow down. The visibility ahead is too low."

Clara was looking down, adjusting her camera settings, not even raising her head.

"Blair, if you're scared, just close your eyes and sleep."

"Don't distract the driver."

Roman steered with one hand and chimed in with a laugh.

"Did you hear that? Shut up and sleep."

I gripped my seatbelt tightly and swallowed all my words.

Later, the sandstorm grew more violent, and the bumpy cabin caused my motion sickness to flare up completely.

My stomach cramped badly, and my forehead was covered in a cold sweat.

I searched my backpack for my nausea meds. Then I suddenly remembered I had left the bottle on the hallway counter this morning.

I called out weakly to Roman, "Can we stop at the gas station ahead? I want to buy some medicine."

He gave a dismissive grunt.

The heavy metal music in the cabin was deafening. He and Clara bobbed their heads to the beat, completely oblivious to my distress.

Clara excitedly shoved her camera screen in front of his eyes. "Look at this candid shot. The tension is absolutely incredible."

"If we edit these photos, they could definitely make it onto a magazine cover."

Roman turned his head to admire it.

"Great shot, Clara."

"I have to admit, your photography style is really different from Blair's. The ones you take are sexier."

"Blair, want to take a look later?"

No one cared about my answer, and the two of them instantly burst into laughter together.

I slumped weakly against the back seat, closed my eyes, and felt my stomach churning.