Chapter 17. Jake's Dilemma

As Ryan and Megan turned their backs on Alaric and commenced on their journey, a sense of loss grabbed Megan. She couldn't stop crying as the picture of her father kept flashing through her brain. Suspecting why she was crying, Ryan could do nothing to help her except hold her hand. Alone, he needed four hours to get to the forest from the cave. With Megan, he would need more time. Ryan wanted to start running but decided to let Megan calm down a little because he knew she needed to get this heavy feeling off her chest. So, he held her hand and they walked towards their future. 

Just as they were going to make a corner in the tunnel since it wasn't a straight line, Ryan heard Alaric's voice in his head. 

“Kid, mark her the first chance you get. Do it tonight if possible. Else, it would be easy to find you guys.” Alaric, who had followed silently behind them, transmitted to Ryan, shocking him into stopping for a bit. 

“I have already prepared her hear