Chapter 3

The two of them looked like the couple, close enough that nothing could come between them.

In that moment it was as if I could hear the old woman from my dreams again.

"See it now? Sooner or later they'll end up together. This is your proof."

"If you don't wake up and get out now, the only one who ends up hurt is you."

A sharp pain twisted through my stomach.

By the time I came out of the bathroom, both of them were gone.

I finally found them down at the restaurant, both already halfway through breakfast.

Talking, laughing.

Benedict was showing Maud a pretty little pendant he'd just bought from a stall on the street.

"Weren't you saying a while back that you needed a keychain charm?"

"You like this little doll, so it's perfect for hanging on there."

Maud took it without the slightest hesitation. "So thoughtful. Rosie really didn't pick the wrong boyfriend!"

My stomach hurt so much I could barely stand, and I said it three times, right there beside them.

Asking Benedict to take me to the hospital.

All I got back was his careless answer.

"You probably just overate yesterday. A few more trips to the bathroom and you'll be fine."

"We finally got out for a trip. No way we're going to the hospital, what a downer."

Benedict was packing up his fishing rod, not even lifting his head.

"Besides, Maud just texted me to hurry up and bring the rod down to the river."

"She said she just found a river near the lodge where you can fish."

"She finally got interested in something and wants to go fishing, wants us there with her. You're not going to ruin it, are you?"

My face had gone white from the pain, both hands pressed to my stomach.

"But it really hurts…"

"Just tough it out. It's all these bad habits everyone spoils you into."

Benedict slung the rod over his shoulder and started to walk off.

I was truly angry now, sucking in breath through the pain.

"I'm counting to three."

"Benedict, if you don't take me to the hospital, then I don't want you anymore."

This was our own private pact, something like a code word between us after all these years together.

If I started counting,

it meant I was really angry.

And every single time, no matter how serious the thing we were fighting about,

Benedict would back down, soften his voice, give in.

But this time he didn't.

If anything, the sneer in his eyes only deepened.

"Rosalie, you always threaten people with these same lines. You really think I'm scared?"

"I can't be bothered playing these childish little games with you."

In my head I counted silently:

Three, two, one.

I watched him turn and walk away without looking back.

I bit my lip and told myself.

Benedict, we're finished.

I went back near the lodge and asked the owner for some painkillers.

Only after taking them did the pain ease a little.

Then I checked ticket times on my phone, ready to buy one and leave this place on my own.

But I dug through my whole bag and couldn't find my ID.

Back when Maud had bought my ticket for me, she'd taken my ID.

It should still be in her bag now.

Face still ghost-white, I went out to find Maud.

I spotted her crouched at the edge of the river, head down, doing something I couldn't make out.

I stepped up, about to speak.

"Maud, I…"

Then Maud spun around, and a snake came flying straight at me!