“As you wish…” Eric’s lips protruded slightly in an exaggerated display of disappointment, yet his considerable height advantage allowed him to effortlessly extend upward, pluck the from its perch, and present it to her with a self-satisfied grin.

“Here you go. A rose for the lady,” he said with a flourish.

Hadley found herself holding yet another rose. She blinked in surprise. “What in the world is going on?”

Eric shrugged, but then his finger shot out, pointing ahead. “Look! There’s another light!”

Sure enough, another point of light glowed in the distance.

Her forehead creased with suspicion. “Is there some kind of event happening around here?”

“Want to go take a look?” Eric inclined his head toward the flickering light.

Hadley paused for a moment and then nodded. “Alright, let’s go. I want to see if these lights just keep popping up.”

A subtle smile touched Eric’s lips. “Alright, I’ll accompany you.” He took her hand, and together they followed the luminous trail. Read full story at find[?]ovel.net

This time, the distance between the lights was a little longer.

Hadley mused as they walked, “These lights keep flashing, almost as if they’re guiding us somewhere. Don’t you think?”

“Yeah, it’s like a treasure hunt,” Eric said with a chuckle. “Come on. Let’s see what prize we’re chasing.”

They picked up their pace.

This time, the wasn’t hanging high at all—it was simply attached to the tree trunk.

Hadley reached out and easily detached it, waving it in the air. “That’s the third one now…”

Ltτ ?hρτ?rs ιn glov?l.оm

A laugh bubbled up from her.

“I guess these count as treasures, too. Ugh!” A sudden wince contorted her face.

“What is it?” Concern etched Eric’s features.

“It’s nothing…” Hadley rubbed her elbow, scratching the spot. “Just a mosquito bite.”

Eric relaxed, but then his finger pointed forward once more. “There’s another light!”

He took Hadley’s hand, ready to continue their trek.

“Let’s not,” Hadley protested, tugging on his arm and anchoring herself. “I want to go back now.”

“Why not?” Eric asked, a hint of confusion in his voice. “Weren’t you enjoying yourself?”

“It’s not that enjoyable…” Hadley grimaced again. “I just got bitten again. There are way too many mosquitoes here. Let’s head back.”

“Come on…” A note of eagerness entered Eric’s voice. “We’ve come this far. Aren’t you curious how long this goes on? Don’t you want to see where these lights are leading us?”

Seeing her hesitation, Eric tried harder to coax her. “Don’t give up now. It’s clear these lights are guiding us somewhere.”

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