An October Hike #14: Don't See The Predator

"I... I have something to show you," I manage to say clearly despite my quivering lips. "Before... anything can... you know... happen." I have a hard time looking him in the eyes and not into the ground. God, why do I put myself in these situations.

"Okay..." he asks with a very concerned look upon his face. "You don't have to if-"

"Well, I'm going to," I cut him off. I hope that didn't come out too harshly.

I take a deep breath and sigh, and then I pull of my chullo. Like a jack-in-the-box, my ears spring to life, regaining their natural direction, and it feels so good. But my heart is still beating up in my chest. The silence is deafening, and I carefully lift my eyes to meet him. Waiting for him to tell me to leave, push me away, anything like that. See me as a predator, roaming the hills for easy prey, or whatever their stories might be. But his eyes... are kind.

Inktober2024 14 - Roam by Doodles Most Foul (me)