Phoenix Part 66: Spoken Desires The camp had grown quiet, only the last sparks of the fire flickering faintly. Phoenix stood up from the tree stump to smooth the embers, though her mind was still swirling from the fall earlier that day. Albatross stepped up behind her, soundless. ALBATROSS:“You shouldn’t be moving around so much.”…

Phoenix Part 65: Closer Than We’d Like The paramedics had left, and the crew had deliberately “forgotten” to come back.Everyone knew it was better to leave them alone. Phoenix slowly leaned back, her fingers still resting in Albatross’s hand, even though she could have let go a long time ago. PHOENIX (half-turned toward him):“Well… now…

Phoenix Part 64: Where It’s No Longer Just the Forest That Hurts The paramedics stood gathered around as Phoenix slowly tried to come back to herself.Albatross was sitting beside her, holding her hand, visibly tense though clearly trying to hide it. PHOENIX (squinting):“So… is this my new morning routine now? Falling down and getting bandaged?”…

Phoenix Part 63: Unspoken Feelings Albatross carefully lowered Phoenix to the ground, still holding her in his arms.The rest of the camp gathered around them anxiously as the paramedics arrived at a run, equipment in hand. PARAMEDIC:“We’ll bandage her head quickly, but don’t worry — the injury isn’t serious.” Albatross sat down on the ground…

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…

Phoenix Part 61: Unspoken Desire At the edge of the camp, the first rays of the sun paint the treetops in gold.Phoenix adjusts her bag, her fingers nervously fiddling with the zipper, her gaze darting back and forth.Albatross steps up to her, his voice quiet but firm. ALBATROSS:“Phoenix… do you have a moment? I’d like…

Phoenix Part 60: Unspoken Desires The bus is waiting in front of the company, everyone is boarding.Phoenix fiddles with her bags, trying not to look around — of course she’s looking for him. Albatross gets on and stops beside her. ALBATROSS:“Good morning. Everything okay?” Phoenix shrugs, deliberately cold. PHOENIX:“Why wouldn’t it be?You don’t need to…

Phoenix Part 59: Secrets of the Forest At the company, late morning The office is buzzing.Phoenix is doing makeup in the studio, Albatross is reviewing photos on a monitor. Suddenly the door swings open — Mina enters, smiling as if she belongs there. MINA (in a bright, chiming voice):“Surprise!I thought I’d brighten your day, Alby.”…