Chapter 109

The walk with Angela was quiet—uncomfortably so. I wasn't exactly sure what to say to her, and I could tell she felt the same. The sounds of the forest filled the silence between us, from the soft crunch of leaves beneath our boots to the distant chirping of birds. I kept my eyes ahead, hoping that we'd run into something—anything—so I wouldn't have to deal with this awkwardness for much longer.

Finally, after what felt like ages, Angela broke the silence.

"So... Cypher," she started hesitantly, her voice soft. "You think he's okay?"

I glanced at her, surprised she brought it up. "He's the MC," I joked half-heartedly, using the term that only made sense to me. "I'm sure he's fine."

Angela chuckled lightly, though the worry in her eyes didn't fade. "Yeah, I guess you're right," she said, though her tone was still uncertain. "I just can't stop thinking about him. He... he's always there when I need him, and now he's the one missing."