So, I decided to combine yesterday and today’s prompt into one story. Yesterday, the one word prompt was hope. Today it is disgusting.

I also decided to continue the snippet series I had started a few weeks ago called My Guardian Angel. I hope you enjoy! And be sure to leave a comment and tell me what you think.

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It was truly disgusting how much trash built up in the woods. Old water bottles and food wrappers fell on the side of the trail as Liam led me deeper into the woods. Liam kept a firm grip on my hand, moving quickly through the trees. I kept my eyes straight ahead.

My heart was pounding. I forced myself to take a deep breath. The woods were silent. The sun barely penetrated the leaves. It still smelled like rain.

I glanced over at Liam as we walked. He kept looking around as if something was going to come out of the bushes. Honestly, at this point I wouldn’t be surprised if something did.

“Why would someone want to kill me?” I couldn’t help but ask. There was too much to wrap my head around.

Liam glanced at me and sighed. “It’s a lot to explain, and your sister should be here to hear it.”

“Does it have something to do with my parents?”

Liam slowed, caught by surprise. Slowly, he shook his head. “I promise I will explain everything when we reach the rendezvous with your sister and her guardian. ”

His reaction to the mention of my parents confused me.

My parents died three years ago. Their death was a mystery. It still was. Molly and I had done everything we could to find out what happened to them, but it was no use. Slowly, we lost hope.

We continued on in silence, walking side by side. It felt like we had been walking forever.

That’s when I saw the cabin, neatly tucked amongst the trees. Smoke rose up from the chimney. A pile of chopped wood was stacked by the door.

Liam whistled, long and shrill. A dog came around the side of the house and ran towards us. It looked like a husky but much larger. What kind was it? Liam greeted the dog and continued towards the cabin.

The door swung open and another man appeared. He was tall and clothed in the same leather armor as Liam. His light brown hair was cropped short, and his beard was neatly trimmed. Kind blue eyes watched as we approached.

“I was starting to get worried.” He called.

“No need to be. You have Molly?”

The man nodded and moved aside to let us enter.

I looked around as I stepped inside. The kitchen, living room and entryway were all in one room. A curtain divided the sleeping area from the rest of the cabin. A fire roared in the fireplace. Molly sat in front of it, her arms crossed. She looked back. I ran to her side, wrapping my arms around her.

“Stella!” She hugged me back. “He wouldn’t tell me anything.” She whispered.

I pulled back. “Me either.”

“Do people really want to kill us?” She sounded scared.

I tried to smile. “Don’t worry. We’ll be alright.” I hugged her again, trying to comfort her.

From over her shoulder, I met Liam’s eyes. He watched us with a grim expression. Our eyes met and for a second I saw a deep grief within them. It was gone as quickly as it arrived. It was replaced by an intense determination. I wish I knew what was going through his mind. I wish I understood what was going on. I wish I understood what was changing me and Molly’s life.

I hugged my sister closer.