A Perfect Duo

When they reached the den, the boys were settling into their assorted positions around the circle, the noise they created audible in the streets close by and the light from the lamps illuminating the dark winter night. For some reason, the den was particularly daunting that night, or at least Hope thought it was. It seemed larger and more intimidating.

With every step forward Hope took, she felt the anticipation of the atmosphere buzzing around her body with an increasingly forceful intensity. Her heart beat in her chest and Hope felt herself begin to shake with nerves. She kept telling herself that she was fine, but it became evident, even to Joe, that she wasn’t.

‘You’re really nervous?’ Joe asked, and Hope nodded, swallowing hard. There was a pause, whilst Joe leaned in close to Hope’s neck, and she felt her whole-body freeze up. ‘Me too.’ He whispered.

Hope turned to him in disbelief. ‘You’re just saying that.’ She managed to croak out of her dry throat.