19

You're anticipating a long walk back to town, but thankfully, in the nice weather it seems to go quickly enough. It's early afternoon by the time you arrive back on your street, and already the forest seems like a distant memory. Your thoughts are mostly taken up by Arctus, hoping that she's okay and looking forward to seeing her once you get back home. Absentmindedly, you scan the street for any signs of her, slightly anxious that she might have sensed you returning and wanted to come and greet you.

It's in that moment that you catch sight of Tobias standing in the driveway, gazing over at you from across the road.

When he sees you looking, he hesitates. You think you see him fidgeting with the ends of his sleeves.

Then he seems to breathe—drops his shoulders—and walks to the edge of the sidewalk before crossing the street.

You can't quite read his face as he comes towards you. It looks a little drawn—tired, definitely. The closer he gets, the harder it seems for him to bring his eyes up from his feet.

But just as he comes close enough that you can see him clearly, you suddenly lose sight of his face altogether—because before you can even blink, Tobias wraps you in the tightest hug you've ever felt.

Next