As they walked further along the uneven path, Vanisa's steps grew slower, her face tense with each step she took on her injured foot. Her grip on the wooden stick tightened, and she did her best to mask her discomfort, but Gray noticed the strain in her expression. Without a second thought, he slowed his pace, falling into step beside her.
"Vanisa," he said gently, glancing down at her with a reassuring smile. "How about you hop on my back? I don't want you pushing yourself any more than you already have."
Vanisa blinked, surprised, her eyes widening as she looked up at him. "You mean… let you carry me?" she asked, a hint of reluctance in her voice. But when she met his gaze and saw the warmth there, her initial hesitation melted away. She nodded, her face softening. "Alright… thank you, Gray."