The leaves surrounding them were lush, but the dirt path parched and beaten down. Jagged rocks jutted from the ground aside the train tracks made shiny by years of use.
Michaella bent over, tied her boots and released a heavy sigh.
You okay, love? Damon asked.
Nervous as hell.
The hike is going to be great.
She tried not to doubt him as she doused her skin with deet, then rubbed a bit on their dog’s coat.
Damon strapped on her pack, “you lead the way.”
You sure?
Never been more sure in my life, he winked.
100 words
Genre: General Fiction
Thanks Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for hosting this exercise in discipline. It is a joy to work with you and have you comment on my work. Along with all of my other friends from Friday Fictioneers.
Dear Readers, be sure to check out the other stories found on the little froggy link on Rochelle’s page. Thanks for stopping by.
Renee Writes Here 
Winked? That’s puzzling, but then I suppose it would be hard to get lost following a railway.
I think his wink is just a reflex. Something endearing that he does to make her feel safe.
Love, Renee
I got that….
I’m so glad you did sweetheart. Thank you for the comment.
I felt he “was sure” because she was leading. He loved her and trusted her to do the best for them both.
That’s exactly it kindredspirit23. For too long he’d been trying to lead with his head and once he loved her, he trusted her to lead with her heart.
There’s a lot of hope and trepidation in this piece, well done.
Wondering why there are no quotation marks then – Damon strapped on her pack, “you lead the way.”
It’s because I forgot the quotes. Guess I need a spanking for forgetting them. Giggle.
Nice
Thank you my sweet. You are always my best critic. Xoxoxo
I don’t think she is too sure despite the wink.
She’s never stood on her own with him. She’s loved him before and he left, but she’s hoping this time he will stick. By letting her lead the way she knows he’ll stay.
Dear Renee,
It’s been a while since we’ve rendezvoused with you. Nice to see you here.
I liked the story, but I’m not sure who’s saying what or if it’s all in her head. There seems to be quite a few quotation marks missing.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Dear Rochelle,
I know it’s not one of my better stories. I guess I should have edited a little better before posting it. lol!
I’m hoping to write another story this week. I’ve really missed writing.
Love, Renee
I get the real sense of anxiety in prepping for the hike. Nicely written, Renee.
Thanks my dear.
Oh I hope he keeps following. So good to see you here Renee, I’ve missed you:)
Dee
I think he finally feels comfortable enough to do so.
Nice metaphor for a relationship that at least for the moment is in a very positive place. Hope it stays there.
Oh Perry I do believe it will.
A leap of faith in hiking boots. You gotta start to trust some place.
Yep I think he finally let go of some control that he was so used to having.
The wink tells me he likes the view from behind…wink wink
No I think it was that charming part of him that let her know she was loved.
I think he’s lost, and he sure as hell isn’t going to ask for directions. It’s best to let her lead so he can have someone to blame it on. He’s no prince charming.
Rather cynical today, aren’t I?
Sometimes even Prince Charmings let their fair maidens let the way. Giggle!