Chapter 14: Trust?

Fredrick sat beside Thomas, struggling to stay awake despite his exhaustion. The dim light of a lantern cast flickering shadows across the hold. Thomas was restless, the pain from his wound a persistent ache.

Thomas stirred and saw Fredrick slumped beside him. "You're still up?" he asked, his voice faint.

Fredrick blinked and shook off his fatigue. "You're okay now?" he asked, his concern evident.

"Yeah, it doesn't hurt as much as before," Thomas groaned, shifting to find a more comfortable position.

"Don't move," Fredrick said softly, gently placing his hand on the wound to stabilize the bandages.

"I'm sorry, I should've been there—"

"No, it's okay. I'm not dead; I'm still alive! And it's not your fault," Thomas said, trying to reassure him.

Fredrick let out a shaky breath, struggling to hold back his emotions. "I can't believe I was so scared at that time. Felt like I'd lost everything when I thought you were gone."

"I don't think I can ever imagine losing you... I don't know why," Fredrick admitted, fighting to understand his own feelings.

Thomas reached out, placing a comforting hand on Fredrick's arm. "I know. I trust you, and we'll all get this treasure and leave."

Fredrick managed a hopeful smile. "Yes, we'll leave," he said, though his mind was filled with thoughts of the curse and his longing to return to his family. He hoped that if they defeated Cane, he could finally break free from his torment and see his loved ones again.

Thomas's presence and trust gave Fredrick the strength to face the challenges ahead. As the night wore on, Fredrick remained by Thomas's side, finding solace in the shared hope of escaping their predicament and returning to the world they had been yearning for.