39

~Tove

Keo smooths my hair back, smiling down at me.

“Promise you will come back and you'll feel better." It feels more like a cautious concern than an instruction.

"I promise. I think this is exactly what I need," I tell him, mustering a smile.

Him and I decided that I need a break, just for a couple of days. He's going to take me somewhere and I'm going to try and relax, so when I come back, I'll feel more certain about him, and where we stand.

Keo turns to my friend. "Take care of her, Mary."

He picked her and brought her to Territory Two only moments ago. He understands how much Mary means to me, and that if I'm going to get my thoughts and feelings under control, I'm going to need her.

"Of course," she says, winding her fingers through mine. "We are going to have some fun. For once."

Keo nods, looking solemn. "If anything happens, let me know. Okay?"

After my attempt to escape, I can see he is wary about sending me off, but he is choosing to trust me. Still, it seems like it's goi