The Lost Baby In The Jungle

Summary

On my nineteenth trip abroad, Justin bypassed tourist spots again, dragging me into a dense rainforest. Insects crawled through mud, guttural calls echoed. I clutched his sleeve, pleading we turn back. He ignored me, eyes fixed on his phone's blinking red dot.

A viper coiled around my calf. I reached for Justin, but he leapt forward, catching Renee, his childhood best friend who'd vanished two years ago, as she jumped from a tree. "Took you long enough," she teased, arms around his neck. "I promised I'd bring you home," he murmured.