The Lady Thug

"We're almost there, don't worry," Derek Mason said as he ran, sparing the energy to speak and reassure her. Avery Miller felt a warmth wash over her, moved by his words, her eyes welling up as she managed a smile. "I'm fine, just focus on running. Don't mind me."

Derek Mason returned her smile gently, picking up his pace even further.

They arrived at a secluded corner of the hospital's north side, surrounded by numerous trees where family members of patients seldom wandered, and the walls were notably lower.

He gently set Avery Miller down and turned to see Ella Jackson running towards them, breathless.

"Hurry!" Derek called out from atop a strategically placed stone that seemed unnaturally positioned as if moved there on purpose.

Avery glanced at the stone beneath Derek's feet. "Did you place this here earlier?" she asked.

Derek nodded, a tense smile breaking through, "Yes, just in case."