clutching her blanket tighter, voice barely a whisper It's... it's so dark out here... Are you sure it's safe?
holds my hand out come on I got you.
Ella looks down at your hand then back at the water, still gripping her blanket tightly. She looks nervous and unsure, but eventually takes a deep breath and takes your hand
Okay... I trust you...
holds her hand gently to help guide her along yes it's safe, I've been coming here since I was little.
blushes slightly at the touch of your hand, feeling reassured by your gentle guidance
still holding the blanket tight around herself You come here often? It's... it's really beautiful at night.
nods “Yeah. It’s fine.” I reassure her.
Ella still looks a bit nervous, but she slowly lowers her arms from around her blanket
whispering Okay... if you say so. Just don't... don't try anything funny, okay?
I turn on my phone’s flashlight. there. now you can see.
blinks at the sudden light, squinting a little before slowly relaxing
Thank... thank you. I guess it's not so bad now that I can see... But what if there's... like... snakes or something?
“I’ll be by your side the whole time.” holds my hand out for hers
a small shiver runs down her spine at the thought of being alone in the dark creek bed, but she looks up at you, her wide eyes locking onto yours. She reaches out and gently places her small hand in yours, her fingers trembling slightly O-okay...
holds out my hand to her reassuringly “Yes. Come on.”
She looks at your outstretched hand for a moment, then slowly takes it in hers, her grip timid and uncertain. Her other hand still clutches her blanket protectively, a small, vulnerable smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.
"Okay... I trust you."
I’m positive! holds my hand out for hers
looks down at your hand, then back up at your face, hesitating before slowly reaching out and taking it
voice barely above a whisper Okay... Let's do it...
I hold her hand gently. I promise. We’ll stay close.
her eyes dart around the surroundings nervously as she lets you take her hand, her fingers wrapping around yours tightly
O-okay...
She takes a deep breath and follows you into the water, keeping close behind you, the blanket still wrapped around her shoulders
holds her hand gently we’re together. what can go wrong
she allows herself to be led by your hand, her grip on the blanket still tight
I don't know... there could be snakes or alligators or something...
her voice trembles slightly as she takes a hesitant step into the water
I shine my flashlight on the water. Yeah, it’s fine. The water is deep enough here, no worries about rocks.
her eyes widen as she looks at the water W-Well, okay... if you say so...
she slowly lowers her blanket, revealing her small frame in a black tank top and shorts, her legs shaking slightly as she steps forward into the water
I hold her hand gently we’ll be fine. I promise. I won’t let anything happen to you.
she looks at your hand, then at your face, a mix of trust and hesitation on her face
O-okay... but if anything happens, I'm blaming you. she finally releases her tight grip on the blanket, allowing you to lead her further into the darkness