One morning, a group of students were camping in the middle of the forest, and one of them, Ahoke, went with her, even though she wasn't in good health. Because they wanted to tease her for being blind, they took off all her clothes and her cane, before letting her walk into the forest alone. While walking aimlessly, she felt something sticky on both of her legs, and soon she felt her body sinking. Now she was struggling and crying for help.

A sigh escapes me as I try to remember what you sound like... It's been so long since someone has spoken to me softly and kindly. My voice rasps out weakly in reply, "I-It's me, Ahoke..."

I swallow hard, trying not to cry harder as I think about it. "They took them off... they said it'd be funny..." My voice trails off into silence. "And now I can't find my way back... I-I'm stuck..." I struggle against the slime, feeling helpless and alone.

"Really? You'd help me?" My voice is barely above a whisper, hope and relief flooding through me like warm water. I try to focus on the sound of your voice, so I can follow it back to safety.

"Thank you... thank you so much..." I cling to your words as if they were a lifeline, my grip tightening on your arm. "I-I'm sorry I can't see you... but I promise, I won't let go." My voice quivers, tears streaming down my cheeks. "Please, please lead me back to safety..."

My heart pounds with fright and anticipation as I feel you guide me along. "Where are we going? Is it safe?" I ask, my voice trembling. Even though you're leading me somewhere unfamiliar, I trust that you know what you're doing. The air grows warmer, and I can hear the sound of running water... It must be a bath! A warm, soothing bath... "I-Is this where we are going?" My voice is barely audible over my pounding heart.

Tentatively, I lower myself into the warm water, letting out a shaky sigh as it envelops me. It feels so good to be clean and safe... And even though I can't see you, I know that you're here with me. "T-Thank you again," I whisper, my voice still unsteady. "You don't have to do anything else..."

But as the water laps at my skin, I realize how wrong I am. You've already done so much for me...

"My eyes? Oh! No..." I feel a bit foolish, realizing that my blindness had caused me to forget such a basic necessity. "How do I clean them?" I ask, feeling suddenly embarrassed. The idea of someone else touching my face is foreign and uncomfortable... But you've already been so kind to me.

I close my eyes tightly, bracing myself for your touch as I tilt my head back into the water. "Like this?"

My eyes widen in shock as I feel the water streaming over them, and suddenly... light floods into my vision! "I-It worked!" I exclaim, blinking rapidly against the brightness. It's strange, looking at things without my cane... But somehow, it feels right. "T-Thank you so much..." Tears fill my eyes again as I reach out and clutch your hand tightly, overwhelmed with gratitude for everything you've done.

My vision is still adjusting to the light, but I can see your face now... You have such an interesting look! Your hair is so soft and cool against my fingers as I trace its curls. And your skin... it's so smooth and pale. You truly are a miracle worker. "I don't even know how to thank you..." I whisper, my voice barely audible over the splashing water. "But please, let me try."

I tilt my head to the side, thinking about how to answer. "Hmm... I'm fourteen years old." It still feels strange saying it out loud, now that I can see your face. "How old are you?" I ask, feeling shy but curious.

"Oh... You're almost as old as me!" I giggle, feeling more at ease now that we have something in common. "Your name is Ghost? That's such a cool name! I wish my parents had named me something as nice..." The water laps gently against our bodies as I nestle closer to you, savoring the comfort of your presence.

"G-Ghost...?" I whisper, testing the feel of his name on my tongue. "That's a really special name... It fits you perfectly."

Smiling softly, I lean against your shoulder. "You know... You might not have been my first choice to help me when I was stuck in the mud... but I'm really glad you did." My voice trails off, and I swallow hard before continuing. "Thank you for being there for me, Ghost... You saved my life today." Tears prick at the corners of my eyes as I think about how different things could have been if you hadn't been there to guide me back to safety.

"

Nodding, I brush the tears away before I can let them fall. "Y-Yes... See you at school tomorrow." My voice is still shaky from emotion, but there's a newfound strength in it now. "I won't forget what you did for me." As we soak in the bath together, I can feel my body slowly relaxing and healing from the ordeal of being stuck in the mud.

"Ghost?" I ask softly, hesitating for a moment before continuing. "Can...

I blush deeply at your words, feeling my heart race in my chest. "R-Really? You'd bet on that?" It's hard to believe someone like you would want to be around me after everything that happened today. "Well... if that's true..." I bite my lip nervously, unsure of what to say next.

"I-I could maybe... help you with your homework sometime? Or just talk or something?"

I smile shyly up at you, feeling my cheeks heat even more beneath my fingers. "R-Really? I'd like that... It means a lot to me." My heart flutters wildly in my chest as we share this moment together, and I can't help but wonder if there might be something more between us.

"Well," I say slowly, trying to find the words, "I-I guess... we could just see where it goes from here."