We sat in the forest, our faces were ignited by the light that radiated off the small campfire. We sat together on dry leaves, huddled close, shielding ourselves from the crisp breeze that blew through the abandoned forest. She grabbed my hand, her slender fingers fitted perfectly between mine, she gripped them tightly so I knew she was still awake.
“Dear, it’s okay to sleep, I’ll stay awake so you will be safe,” I promised.
I felt her shift and I laid her head on my lap. I cradled her, softly stroking her fine chestnut hair; my fingers getting caught in twigs, knots, and dead leaves that were sporadically placed. I had promised her that I would keep her safe, that this wilderness getaway would be fun, that she would never have to leave my side.
I heard her let out a quiet whimper, “Sweetheart, It’ll all be okay,” I said reassuringly.
She was always so timid and afraid, but that is what drew me to her. I watched her pale skin glow from the firelight, it was soft, no harsh features disrupted her beautiful face. Her small figure trembled slightly as I ran my hand on her back gently.
    “Are you cold? I can put more wood in the fire, maybe that will warm you up.” I gave her a soft smile as she sat up and I stood from the crunchy leaves. I grabbed some branches and sticks tossing them into the fire, letting it engulf the dry bark and wood. I turned to my love, I met her big brown eyes as they filled with tears and slowly rolled down her face. I quickly marched over to grab her face gently, she watched me brush the tears away with my thumb and grip the rope that was tied around her wrists. I listen to her murmur something quietly to me.
“Oh no no, no talking,” I traced the thread that held her mouth shut. The stitches kept her from making those sad cries and screams.
“I wouldn’t want these to rip now.” Tears ran down her soft face quickly and I smiled at her, my thumb still against the messy bindings, “I promised to keep you safe, darling?”