Sabrina had originally meant to head straight back to her tent.
She didn't want to bother Ross—he always looked so busy, so focused, always doing something for everyone else.
But when she turned to leave, her feet refused to move.
She knew exactly why.
If she went back now, she would just sit in the corner of her tent again… hugging her knees… staring at her silent phone… drowning in the same suffocating fear.
Her boyfriend wasn't responding. Her parents weren't responding. Nothing.
Days had passed, and the silence felt heavier than any nightmare.
For a split second, Sabrina felt that crushing pressure in her chest—the same feeling that had stolen her sleep every night.
I can't do this again, she thought, forcing herself to breathe slowly.
Not tonight… I don't want to break down again.
So instead of walking away, she turned toward the soft glow of light coming from Ross's work area.
"You're still working this late, Ross," she said quietly.
