The cold morning breeze swept gently through the forest, carrying with it the earthy scent of damp soil and fallen leaves. The narrow trail beneath their feet had almost disappeared beneath layers of golden leaves that crunched softly with every step they took.
Above them, the branches swayed lazily, nearly bare now that autumn was coming to an end.
A few steps ahead, Jin ran as fast as his tiny legs could carry him.
"Daddy! Huwwy up!" he called over his shoulder, waving both arms excitedly. "You guys awe too slow!"
Hiro adjusted the backpack resting on one shoulder before letting out an amused sigh.
"It's. Hurry. Up. And—you've been saying that for the past ten minutes."
"'Cause it's twue!" Jin insisted without slowing down. "Come on!"
The little boy suddenly darted off the trail, disappearing through a cluster of bushes.
Hiro's expression immediately changed.
"Jin?"
No answer.
"Jin!"
Still nothing.
