Chapter 24

When I opened my lips and grasped for words, Justine peered at me with his penetrating eyes. "Don't just condemn yourself. I misplaced my handgun as well, and you might not have become so preoccupied if I hadn't shrieked. So, if you're going to blame anybody here, it should have been me, you know. I am the main cause we were stranded in a canopy with no food, just one water bottle, and no weaponry at all." Justine let out a collective sigh. "I just needed to express my gratitude." "You're meant to chastise me, not thank me," I said to him, frowning. 'No. Thank you for coming to my aid. That was a rapid movement with the sneaker. If you hadn't tossed it when you did, I'd be the main dish at a bad meal." I unsteadily sniggered; it seemed like a reasonable alternative than sobbing. "There's nothing like laughing in the face of death, is there?" Justine grunted and nodded solemnly against the wood, his head on the trunk. He was just on a lower branch fro