12

As I waited anxiously at our meeting point, Cain finally emerged from the woods. Relief washed over me, but it quickly turned to irritation as I rushed over to him.

“Cain!” I exclaimed, my voice a mixture of concern and frustration. “Where have you been? You had me worried sick!”

Cain grinned, seemingly unperturbed by my worry. “Worried, were you?” he teased, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “You know, if you’re going to be my mummy, you might as well breastfeed me.”

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at his playful comment. “Cain, you’re impossible,” I muttered, but a smile tugged at the corners of my lips. Chasing after him as though I wanted to hurt him.

He chuckled and took a step back, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes. “Catch me if you can!” he declared before turning and sprinting away.

I let out an exasperated laugh and chased after him. We ran through the woods, our laughter filling the air as we darted between trees and leaped over fallen branches. The thrill of the chase was