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I take a bite of"We can always hunt for food Have you ever tried squirrel? It tastes like chicken"

"Me? Oh, yeah I eat squirrel all the ti of apples and opens it on her lap, stretching her legs out in front of her "Can’t we hike to a McDonalds or soet to ht" She crosses her ankles and snaps into an apple slice

I’, a small and black on Brooke’s calf catches my attention

I knohat it is I know exactly what it is Ticks are an unfortunate hazard to ca, one I didn’t warn her about

Fuck She rass I would’ve noticed it on her before I’ve been staring at her legs all et it off

I also need to keep her oblivious to it

"What would you order at Chick-fil-A, if we hiked there?" I ask, reaching into the outer pouch onaround for the supplies I need My hand closes around a shter and medical kit

"Mm A number one, extra pickles And a cookies and cream milkshake on the side" She takes another bite of apple "Or a wrap They have good wraps"

"Sounds good"

"Better than squirrel," she laughs through a shake of her head "Which I’ like chicken"

I set outthe food out of the way Scooting closer, I wrap ently hold it "Brooke, I need you to stay still, yeah? Don’tfalls on top of the bag "What are you doing? Why do you have tweezers?"

"You have a tick on your leg"

"WHAT? Oh, asps Her entire body jerks "Mason! Get it off!"

I squeeze her leg and look up into her round, panicky eyes "Baby, relax I’et it off"

"Have you done this before?" she asks, her voice shaking Tears filling her eyes and those pouty lips quivering

I nod I would nod right now even if I didn’t knohat the fuck I was doing I don’t want Brooke to be scared Her face is killing me

"Yeah Plenty of times Trust me Can you hold still? That’s all I need you to do"

"Oh, God," she whispers, blinking hard and sending the tears down her face Her leg remains tense beneath my hand, but she doesn’t resist me "O-Okay Just don’t mess up"