62

71: THE WRONG QUARRY

Cherry trudged wearily down the dim, isolated road, weighed down by a heavy burden on her mind. In one hand, she clutched the items she had recently purchased, while the other unconsciously played with her hair. Despite her reluctance to admit it, she felt remorse for how she had treated Jake.

Gradually regaining her composure and bringing her tumultuous emotions under control, she realized that Jake wasn't to blame for her inner turmoil. She knew it wasn't his fault, and he had acknowledged his innocence in the matter. Lost in thought, she suddenly noticed a shadow looming over her, making her startle.

"Jake?" she queried, looking up, but the shadow revealed an unfamiliar figure.

The darkness concealed his face, but she could discern that he was a young man, likely not older than twenty-five, with a slender build and unruly hair. The unmistakable scent of alcohol hung in the air, suggesting he was probably a passing traveler, albeit inebriated.

A chill ran down h