The Compass to His Heart

Third Person's POV

Halle’s expression shifted to disbelief.

A young man in his early twenties charging headfirst into danger, even when faced with bullets, defying every instinct of self-preservation—it seemed unreal, almost inhuman.

But Darlene’s next words unraveled the mystery.

“That boy,” Darlene said, “had nothing but hatred in his eyes when he looked at those poachers.”

Her voice softened as she continued, “Later, we found out it was tied to something from his childhood. Terence once had a pet dog named Lucy. After his parents divorced, it was just the two of them, relying on each other to get by.”

With a sad smile, she continued, “He was malnourished back then—thin, pale, and an easy target for bullies at school. One day, those bullies set their sights on his dog and when it was finally found, it was already too late.”

Darlene paused, her tone heavy. “Terence told us those poachers are no different from those cruel people. They skin innocent animals and take their lives for profit. To him, they’re monsters who deserve nothing but death.”

A cold wind swept past them, but Halle’s heart felt warm.

So that’s why Terence threw himself into this dangerous line of work with such reckless abandon. She’d been wrong. Someone as brilliant and driven as him wouldn't stop for her.

The realization stung, but it also brought clarity.

Suddenly, a thought crossed her mind. She turned to Darlene and asked, “Captain Benson, you keep saying ‘we.’ Who’s the ‘we’ you’re talking about?”

Before Darlene could answer, Terence’s voice sliced through the stillness of the night, startling them both.

“Halle!”

Halle barely had time to react before Terence grabbed her arm, his eyes flashing with a warning.

“Don’t ask questions you shouldn’t,” he said coldly. “You don’t need to know about these things.”

Quickly, Darlene stepped forward and positioned herself between them. She shook her head gently and said, “It’s all in the past, Terence. It’s fine. Halle isn’t an outsider anyway.”

But Terence’s gaze was sharp, like an arrow tipped with barbs. The look he gave her pierced her heart, and when he finally turned away, it left a chill behind.

His message was clear: Halle was an outsider to him.

Those shared memories, the history between them—they weren’t hers to know.

The days passed quickly. Each morning, Halle buried herself in sorting through her belongings.

With only three days left before her departure, it was time to decide what to keep and what to leave behind.

Her hands then paused over a bracelet. The wooden beads shimmered faintly in the light, and a wave of nostalgia washed over her. She’d gotten it when she first came to Tanzania, a blessing for safety and smooth journeys.

She’d bought two, hoping the red thread connecting them would symbolize a bond. One was hers, the other she’d given to Terence.

But she’d never seen him wear it.

After a long moment of hesitation, Halle sighed and slipped the bracelet back onto her wrist.

'Forget it. I paid for it, didn’t I? I’ll wear it for the blessing, nothing more. The whole ‘red thread of fate’ thing doesn’t matter—he never wore his anyway. What difference does it make if I wear mine alone?' she decidedly concluded in her head.

Just then, a sudden memory struck her—she’d made a wish to wishing well once. Before leaving, she needed to fulfill it.

Driving to the wishing well, she was startled to see Terence there as well.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, her tone sharp as their eyes met.

“I should be asking you that,” he replied, his brows furrowing slightly.

“I’m here to make a wish,” she snapped, brushing past him.

His hand instinctively moved to the bracelet hidden beneath his sleeve. Anxiety flickered in his chest.

“What wish?” he asked, his voice low.

Terence knew the last time she’d made a wish here, it had been for their relationship—to pray for a bond that would last forever.

Ignoring him, Halle tossed a coin, closed her eyes, and bowed her head in silent prayer.

The wind tugged at her hair, scattering it around her face. Seeing it, Terence found himself unable to look away, mesmerized by the quiet determination etched into her features.

In her heart, Halle whispered, 'I wish Terence a life of peace and happiness. May he and Captain Benson find their happily ever after.'

When she opened her eyes again, she noticed Terence watching her intently.

But she didn’t stop to acknowledge him. Turning on her heel, she started walking away.

Before she could take more than a few steps, Terence reached out and grabbed her wrist.