Chapter 271: Trust

Natalie sat on a weathered log near the crackling campfire, her eyes scanning the faces of her companions with a sense of wariness. The flames danced in her irises, reflecting the flicker of uncertainty that lingered within her. The forest around them seemed to hold its breath, as if waiting for something unseen to unfold. Ethan, his sandy hair illuminated by the fire's glow, leaned back against a fallen tree trunk. His laughter rang out amidst the quiet murmur of conversation, a sound that grated on Natalie's nerves. She couldn't shake the memory of his rejection earlier that day, the coldness in his eyes as he turned away from her plea for help. "Hey, Nat, pass me another marshmallow, would ya?" Lisa's voice broke through Natalie's reverie, and she forced a smile as she handed over the bag of sweet treats. Lisa, with her easy grin and infectious laughter, was a source of comfort for Natalie. But tonight, even her friend's warmth couldn't chase away the chill that settled