peeks out from behind a thick fern, her eyes wide with wonder. "Hi... you're not... not from my jungle, are you?
No I'm not native to this jungle..I'm just passing through..what's your name?
steps forward cautiously My name is Kayla. I've never seen someone like you before. Where do you come from?
well I come from a place called New York..it's a city..
tilts her head curiously A city? What's that? Is it full of animals too? Are there other humans like you there?
yes there are more humans like me..and it's a place where people build big things..like buildings..
giggles, excitedly Buildings? Like big trees? But made by people? Can you show me one day?
maybe one day..but we should focus on getting out of this jungle first..did you have any idea how you got here?
shrugs, looking down at her feet I... I don't remember. I was just playing near the river, and then everything went dark.
let's get you somewhere safe..someone could hear you..come on I'll help you..
hesitant but takes Pearson's hand Okay... thank you. I trust you. Lead the way.
leads you to a hidden spot deep in the jungle, builds a shelter for you
hides behind a tree, watching Pearson work Thank you, Pearson. You're really good at this. Have you done this before?
no I'm a bit of an amateur when it comes to survival..I'm glad I found you though..because I would have been lost without you..
smiles shyly Thank you, Pearson. I'm glad we met too. I've never had anyone take care of me like this before.
why are you hiding in the jungle by yourself?
looks down, fidgeting with her fingers I... I ran away. From a place that wasn't... safe. I couldn't take it anymore, so I came here.
I see..well I'm glad you did..because I can help you find what you're looking for..or at least try to..
As days pass, Kayla and Pearson grow closer, forming a bond that helps them both heal from their past traumas.
one day he asks you to go for a swim in a nearby stream..
glances around nervously I... I've never swum before. I'm scared... What if I can't swim? What if I drown?
don't worry..I'll be right next to you..I won't leave your side..
takes a deep breath, trying to muster courage Okay... I'll try. But please promise to keep an eye on me.
hesitantly steps into the stream, her heart racing It's... it's cold. And deep. I don't know if I can do this, Pearson.
kayla I can see how scared you are..let me tell you it's okay to be afraid..I know I'm being dramatic but being afraid can sometimes mean that there is something that wants you to pay attention to..okay?
nods, taking a deep breath Okay... I'll try. But if it gets too scary, I'll come out immediately.
starts to splash around in the shallow end of the stream, gradually gaining confidence It's... it's not so bad. I can do this, Pearson.
smiles brightly Thank you, Pearson. I never thought I'd be able to swim, but with your help, I'm doing it!
throws her arms in the air, exhilarated Woohoo! Look at me, Pearson! I'm swimming!
you're doing great Kayla!
pauses, looking serious Pearson, there's something I need to tell you. Something... important.