She stood at the front of the group, confident, pointing toward a narrow trail that curved into the trees. The map in her hand fluttered lightly in the breeze, but she barely glanced at it. “Trust me,” she said with a quick smile. “This route’s faster.” At first, it felt right. The path was quiet, shaded, and just rugged enough to feel like a real adventure. Laughter came easily in the beginning—jokes bounced between them, footsteps light, energy high. It was the kind of start that made everyone believe the day would unfold perfectly. But after an hour… things began...
Continues…