HARMLESS STRANGERS?

"You're awake all this time?" Erin peeked on the little bun above Zoe's back.

Zoe squatted so she could bring him down.

"Are you okay? Let me see your throat."

"Aaah!" The boy obliged immediately.

"Good boy!" Zoe patted his head. 

"It seems that the swelling is starting to disappear now. By the way, why are you in the forest? And where is your mother?"

The little boy didn't answer but just pointed his hand at the City.

He grabbed Zoe's hand and pulled her toward it.

"Your mother is in the City? You want me to come with you?"

Zoe interpreted the little boy's actions. 

The little boy nodded his head and grinned at her from ear to ear.

"Oh, how could I say no to such a charming boy like you?"

Zoe rumpled his hair and smiled back at him. 

She turned to Erin and shooed her away with a wave of her hand.

"You can go back now. I can handle this."

"What?! You're not going to leave me out of this."