Young Usher ran as fast as he could, pushing through the dense undergrowth that blocked his path. He leaped over the roots of trees that blocked his steps. He plowed through everything with a growing anxiety that seemed unstoppable.
Young Usher’s body tensed. Vione’s young cries seemed to echo incessantly in his mind, fueling a panic that grew sharper with each passing moment. His breathing became labored, but Usher didn’t stop his sprint. He raced against time until the road ahead became a dead end.
Young Usher’s run came to a halt. He quickly glanced around. He tried to locate Young Vione’s whereabouts, but to no avail. The forest seemed as quiet as ever, and it almost drove him to despair.
A low whimper caught Young Usher’s ear. It came from the southeast side of the forest. Hastily, he darted in that direction, his eyes widening as he realized that there was a steep cliff he had overlooked. Without hesitation, he rushed over and the faint voice of the young Vione greeted him.
“Please.”
The Young Usher wasted no time. He threw himself to the ground as soon as he reached the cliff. His hand reached out and grabbed Young Vione’s hand just as it slipped off the smooth rock face of the cliff. He held Young Vione’s wrist with all his might, and at the same time something caught his eye.
Young Usher’s forehead creased slightly. He was sure he wasn’t mistaken. Someone had just slipped away between the trees. The silhouette wasn’t unfamiliar, and he guessed it was Ned.
Young Vione, on the other hand, almost lost hope of survival. She closed her eyes and prepared to fall into the abyss. But a firm grip banished the fearful shadows from her mind.
“Vione, hold on. I’ll save you.”
Young Vione was stunned. The voice was so familiar that she slowly opened her eyes. Her face lifted and her gaze suddenly met the young Usher’s.
“U-Usher.”
Usher didn’t say anything more as he was only focused on getting Young Vione out of the cliff as quickly as possible. His face was flushed and he looked hardened, his jaw stiff and the veins on his forehead bulging. His breath held in his chest and a bead of sweat fell from his chin as he pulled Young Vione’s body quickly and firmly.
Young Usher’s body fell backwards, taking Young Vione with it. He landed on the ground and his hands immediately embraced Young Vione’s body. His embrace was strong, as if he wanted to make sure that he had really succeeded in saving Young Vione.
“Oh, God. Vione.”
Young Vione buried her face in Young Usher’s chest. She stayed still for a moment. Fear had weakened her, and Young Usher’s embrace had confused her feelings.
Warmth seeped from Young Vione’s closed eyes. Tears began to trickle from the corners of her eyes. She tried to calm herself; after all, she had survived a terrible catastrophe that could have claimed her life. But unfortunately, Young Usher’s pounding heart left her shattered in an instant.
“Vione,” the young Usher whispered a few moments later in the midst of his heavy breaths. His heart was racing and he let Young Vione hear it. “You’re okay, right?”
Young Vione bit her lower lip. She nodded weakly in Young Usher’s embrace.
Young Usher breathed a sigh of relief. The tension in his body began to ease, and his embrace loosened. Now he felt drained, as if he had no strength at all. His hands fell to the ground while his eyes stared straight up at the burning sky.
A moment of silence enveloped them. It seemed that both Young Usher and Vione needed time to calm down.
“Thank you, Usher.”
Young Vione’s voice made Young Usher blink. His concentration, which had been lost while staring at the sky for a long time, slowly returned. He let out a long breath and at the same time Young Vione rose and sat up.
Young Usher rose as well. His eyes watched carefully to make sure that Young Vione was indeed all right. “It’s all right. The most important thing is that you’re all right.”
Young Vione couldn’t say anything, she just bowed her head deeply, perhaps feeling guilty for bothering Young Usher all the time. After all, who was she to make Young Usher nervous just to save her insignificant life? The fact that Young Usher had saved her twice in one day made her feel truly ashamed.
“You don’t have to feel guilty, Vione,” Young Usher said as if he could read Young Vione’s mind. He assured her that it wasn’t an inconvenience. “I don’t mind helping you at all, and besides, that’s not the important thing here.”
Young Vione lifted her face. She saw that Young Usher’s expression had become serious. “What do you mean?”
“I want to ask. Did someone push you into the cliff?”
Young Vione’s eyes widened. She was silent for a moment, trying to remember the event that had nearly cost her her life. Then she shook her head. “I don’t think so.”
“No one?” Young Usher blinked. He was staring intently at Young Vione. “Are you serious?”
Young Vione nodded. “Yes.”
Young Usher couldn’t believe it. “Think again, Vione. It’s impossible for you to fall into the cliff. You’re not a child who would fall into a cliff so easily,” he said, trying to suppress the anger that automatically rose in his mind. “So be honest with me. Did someone push you into the cliff?”
Young Usher’s accusation was directed at Ned. All he needed was confirmation from Young Vione, and the matter would soon be settled. He arranged to meet Ned personally.
“I’m honest, Usher. Nobody pushed me into the cliff, and now that I think about it, I don’t understand why I’m here.” Young Vione furrowed her brow. She seemed to think hard, but finally gave up. “I really don’t remember.”
Young Usher remained silent. He just stared at Young Vione without blinking. His mind questioned the honesty of Young Vione’s words. The most plausible possibility was that Young Vione didn’t want to prolong the question. Therefore, Young Vione’s answer was completely illogical, just like making up stories.
Unfortunately, there was nothing Young Usher could do about it. So, he just sighed deeply while holding Young Vione’s hand and inviting her to stand up.
“Let’s go. I’ll take you home.”
*