Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

Chapter 8 I Only Trust Myself

"Is this advice from you as a man?" I asked Ethan.

"It's advice as a human. People avoid harm and go for what benefits them most," Ethan replied.

Halfway through our drive, we saw some trees being cut down, their cross-sections laid out in front of us.

Ethan pulled over by the woods, stood by the largest tree, and waved me over. Confused, I got out and walked to him.

We stood in front of the tree, and Ethan tapped the cross-section with his finger, smiling. "I heard tapping wood wards off bad luck. Give it a try. Tap it and make a wish."

Not wanting to refuse, I mimicked him, tapped the tree, and made a wish. I wished to rely on myself and for a better life.

When I opened my eyes, Ethan was staring at me intensely. Feeling shy, I pretended the sunlight was too bright and shielded my eyes, quickly composing myself.

already walking back. I sighed in relief but felt a

just wished to rely on

drive.

make a wish. I don't believe in that stuff.

taken aback by his confidence and

or just sitting there, exuding

suddenly asked, catching

quickly looked away and

today. Tell me the fare, and I'll

all about money. And I'm a man. When a woman tells me she's homeless with tears in

him, emotions swirling. Maybe Arthur hurt me too

was a pity my judgment was so poor. With so

leave before walking into the

and rundown, with no streetlights. Under the moonlight, I could see the potholes