I finally pulled my hand back, stopping the tickling. Maya immediately clenched her thighs even tighter together, the red slit of her dress shifting with every small, restless movement.
We walked a little farther under the flickering torchlight until she found a spot between the trees that she considered private enough. Once we stopped, she turned her head slightly, unable to meet my eyes, and muttered in a small, mortified voice,
"Turn around."
I shook my head, keeping the torch raised so the light still fell across her.
"No. Let me take a look. I also want to check where the snake bit you… and the ant bite. I need to make sure there's no infection."
Maya's face flared a deep, vivid red. Her thighs pressed together even harder.
"You… hmph. It's fine. There's no itching there anymore, and I feel fine. You don't need to look."
I kept my tone serious, though the situation was already anything but.
