It was as if none of it existed.
She and Finn were still a happy couple, fantasizing about a beautiful future together.
Getting married, having children, staying by each other's side for a lifetime.
It was so intoxicatingly sweet that she didn't even notice when Finn finally pulled away.
Not until Chief Aris's voice broke through the haze.
"I am moved by the love between you husband and wife. Sir, I believe you. Go, we will wait for you."
Finn left.
Sienna stood frozen in place, the lingering warmth of his lips still branded on hers.
Paxton stood nearby, having witnessed the entire display.
He hadn't looked away, watching it unfold from beginning to end.
He saw it clearly: Sienna hadn't pushed Finn away.
Her fingers had been clutching the hem of Finn's shirt, gripping it desperately tight.
Paxton closed his eyes, let out a heavy sigh, and swallowed down all the bitterness rising in his throat.
He lowered his head, staring at the tips of his own shoes. He truly was just an outsider here.
Sienna watched Finn's plane taxi across the savanna, lift off, sway slightly in the air, and pull upward to head north.
It flew further and further away, shrinking smaller and smaller until it became nothing but a speck vanishing into the clouds.
Paxton looked at Sienna and spoke slowly.
"We've basically handed our lives over to your ex-boyfriend. Do you think he's reliable?"
Sienna kept her eyes fixed on the direction the plane had disappeared.
"I trust him."
"He hurt you before. How can you still believe in him?"
Sienna didn't answer.
Paxton didn't push the issue. He took off his jacket and spread it on the ground.
"Have a seat. We might be waiting a while." She sat down. The two of them stared out at the northern sky.
The sun sank lower, stretching their shadows long against the earth as the wind began to carry a chill.
An hour and a half passed.
The sky darkened.
There was absolutely nothing in the north.
Two hours passed.
The sky remained eerily silent, devoid of any engine roar.
Chief Aris walked over, glanced up at the sky, and then stared pointedly at Sienna.
He didn't say a word, but his meaning was crystal clear.



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