The Mating Run by Leeka

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“You think this is justice? Destroying everything?”

Victor snarls, his words a mix of anger and despair.

“It’s consequence, Victor. You can’t play with fire and not expect to get burned.

I reply, my tone serious.

He grumbles, brushing ash off his hands again. “This won’t change anything, Aline. You can destroy my shack, but it won’t erase the choices we made out there,” he dedares, his bittemess lingering.

I nod, acknowledging the truth in his words. “You’re right, Victor. But maybe now you’ll think twice before risking everything again.” I say, my voice holding a hint of hope that this chaotic lesson might lead to some reflection.

But Victor continues to grumble under his breath, frustration etched on his face as he sifts through the ashes of his once–standing shack.

I can’t contain my anger any longer.

“You don’t get it, do you?”

I scream at him, my voice cutting through the quiet aftermath. The forest, with its ancient trees, seems to echo my frustration. Victor looks up, his eyes meeting mine with a mix of irritation and indifference.

“How serious it was out there! While you were up here having a vacation, people died,” I continue, my words a desperate attempt to make him understand the gravity of our situation. “We started as a thousand, and now we’re probably down to just 40!”

Victor rolls his eyes, a dismissive gesture that only fuels my frustration.

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“You always love a good drama, Alina. It’s probably not as bad as you’re making it out to be.”

He retorts, his tone laced with sarcasm. I shake my head, bewildered by his lack of comprehension.

“It’s not drama, Victor. It’s reality. People lost their lives, and all you care about is your precious shack!” I shoot back, my anger bubbling to the surface. The forest, with its timeless presence, seems to absorb the tension between us.

Victor brushes off my words with another eye roll. “I had a TV in the shack, your know. I saw what was happening. Everything’s probably just for dramatics anyway.” he quips, his dismissive attitude grating on my nerves.

I shake my head in disbelief. “I know you think this is just some show, Victor. I was like that too. But I know better now. Out here – It’s life and death.”

He remains unfazed, a smirk playing on his lips. “You’re always so serious, Alina. Not everything is a matter of life and death,” he replies, his nonchalance infuriating. I can’t fathom how he can be so carefree, especially after what we’ve been through.

“You’re just close–headed, Victor. You don’t see the bigger picture,” I snap, my frustration boiling over. The forest, with its ancient trees as stoic witnesses, stands. silent as our clash intensifies.

Victor leans against a charred tree, the remnants of his shack scattered around us. “You’re the one who doesn’t get it, Alina. This is just a game. A game I’m playing to win,” he declares, the smirk never leaving his face. I’m dumbfounded by his

stubbornness.

“It’s not just a game. It’s survival. And your ‘vacation‘ mentality is putting everyone at risk,” I retort, my words a plea for him to wake up from his delusion. But he remains obstinate, his eyes reflecting a detachment from reality.

The forest, with its enigmatic presence, seems to amplify the frustration that hangs in the air. “You’re overthinking it, Alina. Relax, enjoy the show.”

Victor adds, as if the chaos around us is merely entertainment for him.

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me. “I can’t believe

shrugs, a careless gesture that only intensifies my exasperation. “I’ve

closest camera, perched high on a branch and directed at

if he’s center stage in some twisted spectacle. My jaw tightens with frustration as he takes a bow, his movements extravagant, a

dear viewers!” he announces, his voice carrying

My eyes ar

what I’m witnessing. Is this really happening? as I glare at

charm.

you enjoyed the little show back there. Alina decided to

a bit.”

gestures towards the remnants

the urge to march over and silence

it’s no more, thanks to our dear Alina. So, I thought, why not reach out to my lovely sponsors and see if we can build an even better one? Together, of

to pitch in after

he flirts

to contribute to

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Fund?”

silent, as if holding its breath, waiting

toothy grin and flamboyant gestures,

flirtations, all of it feels. like a mockery of the gravity of our situation. With a surge of frustration, I step forward and

is not a game; people died out there!” I hiss through gritted teeth, my palm pressed

his arrogance undeterred. He shoves me away, the force of his movement sending me stumbling backward. “What’s your problem, Alina? I’m just trying to make the best

frustration bubbling within me. “You’re making a mockery of

scoffs, brushing off my concerns. “They’re not dead because of me.

Mating Run, Alina. There are

and left. They can’t play the

eyes widen in

“This is not a game! People’s lives are at stake, and you’re treating it like a joke! They died. It’s truel You said you have a tv

as he glares at

deep breath, attempting to calm the storm of emotions within me.

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take a deep breath. Inhale,

pot, and I need to calm down. Victor, with his arrogance and indifference, has this uncanny ability to push all the wrong buttons. But getting mad

mumble to myself, the words a

storm within.

to prattle on, addressing the invisible audience he believes is watching just for

Again, all I need is probably two or one! Any sponsors out there willing to contribute to the Victor’s Shack

at him won’t change his mindset,” I mutter to myself, the realization sinking in like a stone settling at the bottom of a still

who wouldn’t want to contribute to

you just shut up?!”

the air, thick and suffocating, as he glares at me

accusing eyes.

the edge of a blade.

into a circus, Victor. You treat everything like a joke, and now you blame

။