In the cave, a damp and dark atmosphere permeated every inch of the air. Alice crouched beside the man, tightly gripping the herbs she had taken from the bamboo basket, her gaze somewhat wandering. Her eyes were filled with conflict and struggle, as if two little figures were engaged in a fierce argument in her mind.
"This is too dangerous; you don't know him at all, nor do you understand who is after him. If you get caught up in this mess, you might not even survive. You need to leave this place of trouble!" The voice of reason echoed persistently within her.
Alice thought about how she found herself in this unfamiliar Nineteenth Century world, alone and without support. If helping this man led to serious trouble, her hopes of returning home would become even more remote. She recalled the confusion and helplessness she felt when she first arrived in this world, the fear of the unknown still vivid in her memory.
However, when she saw the man's increasingly pale face from blood loss and the determination still shining in his weary eyes, another voice arose within her: "He needs your help; how can you just stand by and watch him die? This is not who you are." She remembered the values instilled in her during her upbringing—kindness and helping others had long been rooted deeply in her heart. Moreover, for the first time in this strange world, she felt that she could truly make a difference for someone; that feeling was hard to let go of.
Alice's thoughts drifted back to her childhood when she once saw an injured stray cat by the roadside. Ignoring her mother's objections, she insisted on bringing the kitten home to care for it. Under her attentive care, the kitten gradually regained its health. The sense of fulfillment she derived from saving a life was unforgettable. Now, the man before her resembled that injured kitten, equally in need of her assistance.
"I can't just stand by and do nothing," Alice resolved silently within herself. Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, she began to tend to the man's wounds seriously. She placed the herbs on a stone and crushed them carefully with another stone, allowing their juices to seep out and release a faint fragrance.
As she worked on his wounds, the man kept his eyes fixed on Alice's every move, his wariness undiminished. His lips trembled slightly as if he wanted to say something but held back. Noticing his gaze, Alice spoke softly, "I know you’re wary of me; that’s normal. But please believe me, I mean no harm." The man nodded slightly but remained silent.
While treating his wounds, Alice contemplated their next steps. She knew that those men in black would not give up easily; they needed to leave this place quickly. However, given the man's current condition, he was not fit for a long journey, which put her in a difficult position.
"What’s your name?" he suddenly asked, his voice hoarse and weak.
Alice was taken aback; she hadn’t expected him to ask that question. She looked up into his eyes and replied, "My name is Alice. And you?"
After a moment's hesitation, he answered, "You can call me… Leon."
Alice nodded and continued, "Leon, those who are after you will surely come back. We need to figure out a way to leave here, but your wounds..."
Leon furrowed his brow, a flicker of worry crossing his eyes. He glanced at his wound and said, "I'll rest for a bit; I should be able to hold on."
Alice understood that Leon didn’t want to burden her, but she couldn’t bear the thought of him dragging his injured body along. She paced back and forth in the cave, contemplating various possibilities. Suddenly, an idea struck her.
"Leon, I know of a place in the forest that's quite hidden; those men in black shouldn't be able to find us there. We can hide out for a while until your wound heals a bit more before making any plans," Alice suggested.
Leon looked at Alice, a hint of doubt flickering in his eyes, but mostly there was trust. He nodded and replied, "Alright, I'll follow your lead."
A warmth spread through Alice's heart. She knew that this decision was fraught with risk, but she had no regrets. In this unfamiliar world, she chose to follow her heart, embracing kindness and courage. The story between her and Leon was just beginning to unfold. Their fates would intertwine tightly in this unknown realm of the Nineteenth Century, where every step they took would lead them deeper into adventure and uncertainty.
As they prepared to leave the cave, Alice took a moment to observe their surroundings. The cave was dimly lit, with jagged rocks jutting out like ancient teeth. The air was cool and damp, carrying the earthy scent of moss and stone. Shadows danced along the walls as the faint light from outside flickered through the entrance. It felt both safe and isolating—a temporary refuge from the dangers lurking beyond.
With a final glance at Leon, who was gathering his strength, Alice felt a surge of determination. They would face whatever challenges lay ahead together, forging a bond that would prove unbreakable in the trials to come.
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