This Isn’t Natural

I think I owed the guys an apology, but as bratty as it sounds, I really don't want to give them one.

We had been on the road for about an hour now, and I was ready to give up. My legs were trembling, my feet were aching, and I thought my soul was going to leave my body if I took another step.

My brain did its best to encourage the rest of me, reminding me to put one step forward, and it would be fine.

But about 20 minutes ago or so, even it stopped trying.

I heard a low chuckle behind me, and my body was swept up into a bridal hold. "You did good, Little Bird," he whispered in my ear as he maneuvered me into a comfortable position in his arms. "Now, take a nap. You have been stationary for a long time and even had your muscles atrophy on you. The fact that you were able to keep up this pace for so long is amazing."