Phoenix
Part 62: Back to the Path
The Next Morning
Above the campsite, the streaks of fog slowly began to dissolve.
Phoenix was already awake, a steaming cup of coffee in her hands, watching as the sun broke through the trees.
A few minutes later, Albatross stepped out of his tent, still drowsy — but his eyes immediately found Phoenix.
ALBATROSS:
“Good morning, Phoenix.”
PHOENIX (taking a sip):
“Let’s call it… an acceptable morning.”
Albatross smiled and shook his head lightly, then handed her a tablet.
ALBATROSS:
“Would you check the route before we leave?
We need to know if everything’s in order.”
Phoenix raised an eyebrow.
PHOENIX:
“Why is it always me?
Doesn’t anyone else have eyes, legs, or a brain?”
Albatross shrugged.
ALBATROSS:
“Everyone’s busy.
And… you have time.”
Phoenix muttered.
PHOENIX:
“What a brilliant logic.
— Fine, I’ll check. But if I disappear in the forest, give a speech about how busy everyone was.”
She set off and disappeared down the trail.
Later, in the Forest
Phoenix glanced at the map, then at the surroundings.
The markings didn’t match.
PHOENIX:
“This can’t be the path…” she muttered.
She stepped back — but the ground slipped beneath her.
A shout.
Then a fall.
The world spun, and a tree trunk met her head with a hard impact.
Everything went dark.
Back at the Camp
The crew was preparing for work.
ALBATROSS:
“Has anyone seen Phoenix?
She should’ve been back by now.”
Everyone shook their heads.
Something like unease crossed Albatross’s face.
ALBATROSS (quietly):
“I know something’s wrong.”
He didn’t wait — he headed down the trail, the others following.
After 15 Minutes of Searching
Albatross spotted something below.
Phoenix.
Motionless, half-covered in leaves.
He carefully climbed down to her.
ALBATROSS:
“Phoenix!” he called — but there was no answer.
Her head was bleeding, her face pale.
Albatross knelt beside her, gently lifting her head with his hand.
“God…” he whispered.
He lifted her into his arms as if she weighed nothing and carried her back to the campsite.
At the Camp
The moment they saw them, someone immediately called an ambulance.
Phoenix slowly regained consciousness, groaning.
PHOENIX:
“Why… are you carrying me?
…I could’ve fallen on my own legs.”
Albatross held back a smile.
ALBATROSS:
“Not right now.
— Don’t worry, your injury isn’t serious.
But we almost lost you.”
For a moment, Phoenix’s gaze softened — then she turned her head away.
PHOENIX:
“That’s why I hate it when you put me in charge of things.”
ALBATROSS (quietly):
“I put you in charge because I trust you.”
Phoenix’s eyes suddenly met his — anger, fear, and something else…
Something deeper.
A feeling.
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