Chapter 19

Raya’s POV

After many tears, Dana agreed to leave. I assured her that she will not be alone. I was taking her to an uncle who lived far away but had always kept in touch. I breathed a sigh of relief that we could finally start our journey. We had a three-day journey ahead of us, and it was in our best interest to make it as fast as possible.

Keenan relieved my sister of everything she was to carry as we trekked out of the forest that had been home to us for the past few months.

“We should be in Juma before noon,” Keenan said, looking up at the sky.

“How far is the village from here?” I ask. We have been walking for an hour already and I can see nothing but bushes and trees in sight.

“It is not that far. The bushes slow down our movement,” Keenan remarked.

“Is there no shortcut?” I asked.

“The shortcut is a lot denser than this,” he told me.

“The sun is up early today,” I remarked at the warmness of the sun on my face.

“Ind