For the second time.
This was the second time something like this had happened to Ruth.
She sat quietly, deep in thought, then wiped her face with her hands.
Thalia had just returned from using the restroom when she noticed Ruth suddenly walking alone into the dense forest. She had been with Jasmin earlier—Thalia assumed they'd be going back to their tents together. But now, Jasmin was gone, and Ruth had wandered off.
She blamed herself. She had been careless. If only she had paid attention… none of this would've happened. Jasmin might not have vanished.
Because of the incident, the teachers had tightened security even more. Thalia could still feel the unease lingering in the air. The guilt clung to her shoulders like a weight she couldn't shake.
They'd already spent two days at the campsite. She kept thinking that if she hadn't come, maybe none of this would've happened. Maybe things would have stayed normal.
She didn't even know Jasmin that well, but worry still gripped her heart. There had been no updates—no news—on whether Jasmin had been found. Nothing at all.
Despite the teachers continuing their planned activities, everything had changed. Rules were stricter now, especially for the girls. No one was allowed to wander far, and the forest was strictly off-limits. Even during the programs, the tension was palpable. The forest seemed alert—like it was holding its breath.
But Thalia had made up her mind.
Tonight, I'll search for Jasmin. Alone.
Even if Ericka remained quiet and distant, Thalia had a strong hunch she was planning the same thing. She could sense it—like a vibration in the air. And Thalia didn't want to carry the guilt forever. There was nothing wrong with trying to find Jasmin. Someone had to.
She glanced at Ruth, who seemed lost in her own world again, unaware of everything she'd done. Thalia didn't blame her—only confusion filled her thoughts when it came to Ruth's strange behavior.
Night came quickly. As expected, the teachers inspected each tent to make sure no students had slipped away. They weren't allowed to go anywhere unless they had a teacher with them and a valid reason.
Thalia sighed. How was she going to sneak out like this?
Where do I even begin looking? she wondered. She had no leads. No direction.
Trust your instincts, she reminded herself.
After dinner, the students participated in a short program—likely to distract them from the fear that had settled over the camp. Then came curfew. At exactly nine o'clock, they were expected to be ready for sleep.
"Go to sleep now," their teacher instructed. The tone was firm. No exceptions. No leniency.
They had no choice but to obey. Thalia waited, pretending to sleep. Slowly, silence took over the tent. She drifted off a little while waiting for everything around her to quiet down.
A noise woke her.
She opened her eyes, confused at first. The tent's clock still read nine o'clock. But when she checked her wristwatch, it was midnight.
Thalia noticed a shadow slip outside.
The world outside was utterly silent, broken only by the soft whispers of the forest. She crept out of the tent without waking anyone. She had to know who that shadow belonged to. She saw the figure moving into the forest—quick and quiet, like someone hiding.
Maybe this is a clue. Maybe I'll find Jasmin.
She didn't realize she had the ribbon from the day before still in her pocket—the same ribbon their teacher gave them for security. She had almost thrown it away, but something, a whisper perhaps, told her to keep it.
So she followed.
The woman ahead moved quickly, and Thalia couldn't make out her face. But she forced herself forward, using the moonlight to guide her through the dark.
The figure stopped suddenly, scanning the area as if sensing someone nearby. When Thalia got close enough, she recognized the face.
"Ericka?" she whispered, surprised.
"Thalia?" Ericka froze in equal shock.
"What are you doing here?" Thalia asked, confused.
But Ericka was looking around again, eyes alert and full of caution.
Suddenly, Ericka grabbed her arm. "Come on," she whispered.
"Why? What's going on?"
"Shhh," Ericka warned.
They walked briskly, like they were being followed.
"Who are we following?" Thalia asked under her breath.
"Ruth," Ericka replied.
"Huh?"
"She's sleepwalking."
Thalia stared, unsure how to respond.
"Believe it or not," Ericka said, voice trembling, "there's a woman walking with her. You just can't see her."
Chills ran down Thalia's spine. A cold wind passed them.
"Where is she going?"
"I don't know," Ericka whispered.
The scene ahead looked strangely familiar, like something from a dream.
They saw a warehouse—long abandoned. It sent shivers down Thalia's spine. Everything in her screamed not to go near it.
Then, she saw someone pulling Ruth by the hand. They hid behind a tree. A flashlight flickered in the distance—someone else was in the forest.
They crouched, silent and still.
"Where is she?" a voice said.
Two masked men stood under the moonlight, dressed in black jackets. Their faces were hidden.
"Let's find her. Stop complaining."
"She can't have gotten far. She's just a girl—she can't outrun us."
Thalia's heart pounded. They had to warn their teacher. Now.
But Ruth was still in danger.
"We need to go," Ericka whispered.
"Are you crazy? What about Ruth?"
"We need to tell the teacher."
"I'm not leaving Ruth behind!" Thalia hissed.
Footsteps drew closer.
They were trapped. Fear gripped them.
Then, a hand reached out and pulled them into the shadows.
"What are you talking about? No one's here," one of the men said nearby.
"I heard voices—women talking."
"Maybe you're hearing ghosts."
The men paused for a while, then walked away.
Silence returned.
When Thalia turned to see who had saved them, her eyes widened.
"Jasmin?" She gasped.
Jasmin looked exhausted but alive. She wore a hooded jacket and sleepwear, her hair messy, her face pale.
Ericka immediately embraced her.
"Come on. This place isn't safe," Jasmin whispered urgently.
Ruth, still dazed, looked around in confusion. Jasmin quickly grabbed her, and together, the four of them slipped through the forest—determined to get back to safety.