#Chapter 38: Last Minute Plans

Ella The forest’s lingering scent still clung to me as I made my way back home. My feet moved over the familiar asphalt path, my mind still replaying the events of the day. The feeling of freedom and serenity from my hike, followed by the shock of the attempted mugging and then the mysterious young man’s timely intervention, made for an interesting concoction of experiences that day. I was a bit roughed up after the experience, but also intrigued. As I returned to the hustle and bustle of the city, the familiar sounds were almost a relief after my experience in the quiet woods. I imagined Moana scolding me for not bringing my pepper spray, and my father having a full-blown mental breakdown over it. It was things like these that I decided to keep from my parents. Not because I wanted to hide anything, but because I didn’t want them to worry. If they knew about half of the dangerous things I dealt with in this city, they would be at my doorstep in an instant, demanding me