We followed Shelley as she led the way deeper into the thick woods. The canopy was so dense that it felt like the trees were leaning in to listen to our footsteps. It was already past 9 p.m., and the darkness felt heavy, like a physical weight pressing down on us. Princess was right by my side, her fingers laced tightly with mine. She held my hand the entire time, and I could feel the effort she was putting in. Every time she looked over at me, she forced a little smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. I smiled back, trying to give her some of the warmth she was missing.
