Now that she had decided to apologize to him, she didn’t want to waste any time. She didn’t want to go back through the woods, where she had been so frightened earlier. But it was the shortest way to Justin’s house. The woods stood dark and silent. Hardly a breath of air stirred. The skies had clouded over. Low, heavy clouds. I’ve been so ungenerous, Madeline thought, as she hurried through the tangled trees and shrubs. Justin cut me one of the prize roses from his garden. He held me in his arms and kissed me. And all I’ve done is mistake his actions. I’ve got to tell him that I’m sorry before he decides he never wants to see me again. Quickly. Quickly! Snap! A twig snapped behind her, breaking the silence of the forest. Heart pounding, Madeline whirled around. Nothing there. Only tree branches swaying gently. But Madeline couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something wrong. Someone is watching me. I can feel his eyes. Watching. Waiting. She peered into the shadows.
