It Doesn’t Matter Anymore novel Chapter 27

A sign starkly read “No Entry,” but Lorelai was too excited to care. “James, there might be rare orchids in there!” Her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, completely disregarding the warning.

James glanced at me, “Lorelai’s got a point. If we discover a new species, we’ll be famous! We have the right gear and the know–how; it’ll be fine!”

I understood the risks involved, but I wasn’t going to stop them. “That area requires a permit, but there’s always a chance you might find something special.”

The nearby meadow was perfect for pitching tents. Our survey was halfway done, and with colleagues arriving tomorrow, we’d be able to wrap things up efficiently. “You guys go ahead. I’ll stay here, set up camp, and wait for your

return.”

A few hours later, the sky darkened suddenly, thick clouds gathered, and thunder rumbled ominously. I looked toward the direction they had gone, worry gnawing at me. Even if my feelings for James had cooled, I didn’t wish him harm after all the years we’d known each other.

Leaving a note at the campsite, I mapped out a path into the restricted area for late–arriving colleagues to follow. I mounted a small camera on myself, packed emergency supplies, and ventured into the forbidden zone.

After a while, I found the white rope James had left behind, a marker I insisted he use. Following the trail, the surroundings grew darker and colder, making me shiver. In dense forests like this, sudden gusts could drastically drop temperatures.

A heavy rainstorm ensued, drenching me completely. Rapid heat loss was terrifying. I imagined the two of them smiling with their arms exposed. Quickening my pace in concern, I soon realized something was amiss.

Huddled together beneath a smooth rock, their bodies were bare, voices rising in exhilaration. Could it be hypothermia–induced delirium?

The more I ran toward them, the more unsettling it became. I didn’t even have time to scream as my scalp tingled with fear. A huge grizzly had its paw on the rock, staring intently at the pair. Was it watching them like an audience?

Mustering all my strength, I shouted, “Run!”

Startled, James and Lorelai raised their heads, pale with fright. They dashed toward me, colliding and sending us all tumbling down a slope. By some stroke of luck, the bear didn’t pursue.

Lorelai’s arm was scratched and bleeding; I had broken my leg. The pain was intense, even if it wasn’t visible. James‘ focus was solely on Lorelai, despite my obvious agony. Panicked, he rummaged through my bag. “Roselyn, aren’t you the expert here? Why didn’t you pack any emergency spray?”

He pushed me down onto my broken leg, and the pain was excruciating. I couldn’t afford to make a sound; the bear was likely still nearby, searching.

With tears streaming down my face, I looked at him, hoping he’d notice my condition. It was Lorelai who first sensed something was wrong. She whimpered, “James, it hurts so much!”

He glanced at me and then at Lorelai. “You’re bleeding and yet you’re worried about her. She’s perfectly fine.” “Roselyn, it’s just a surface injury. You can keep up, right?” he asked coldly, as if I were merely an acquaintance.

At that moment, it was as if an invisible slap jolted me awake. James‘ heart wasn’t with me anymore. He could sacrifice everything for Lorelai, while my state didn’t concern him.

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