The sun began to peek from behind the dunes shyly, as though asking permission to do so.
Zarqa stood before the well, trepidation and fear gripping her. But she knew she couldn't give in to them or cave under their weight.
She sucked in a deep breath and turned to Ali Baba, only to find him equally troubled, quietly staring down into the darkness of the cavernous abyss.
Was he afraid, too?
" Ali Baba?" She gently placed her hand on his shoulder, and the boy's eyes shot in her direction, taking notice of her concerned face.
He quickly shook his head. The last thing he wanted was to worry her. He was going down there to protect her, to make sure she came back alive and fine. It wouldn't do to make her concerned over him.
" I'm fine. Don't you worry." He offered with a soft smile.
