Connections

«What reason is there to challenge me?» Samantha asked.

Renato tried, in vain, to distract her by massaging her knuckles, but he failed. She still looked at him in search of an answer.

«Do you know it?»

«You fought a lot today, and you hurt your hands, Mine,» he said. «You should get treated.»

Samantha didn't reply, still waiting for the response to her doubts. She didn't dislike it so much that those kids challenged her. On one side, she had been annoyed by their arrogance. But, on the other hand, she was excited they deemed her worthy of a challenge. Even though it made no sense.

«Let's go,» Renato added, picking her up, one arm around her waist and the other behind her knees. She had fought... hence, she didn't need to do tiring things like walking.

He carried her for barely two steps before she opened her mouth.

«Stop right here,» she said, and he couldn't help but obey.