The fire crackled, smouldering a little as it begged for new wood. The A-frame we’d fashioned with branches and Galloway’s rope guarded our belongings on the forest edge. The shady shelter was handy during the day, but it wasn’t practical to sleep in.
It was too small.
Moving past Galloway, he continued sleeping. Conner, too. Along with getting used to sleeping outside, we also slept deeply. As if living in the wide open vastness drained us faster than elsewhere.
Not looking back to see if Pippa obeyed, I slipped on my flip-flops and dashed into the forest.
My feet had grown tougher the past weeks. The hot sand scorched my soles and pricks from twigs leathered my delicate skin. But today, I didn’t know how far I would have to go. And I didn’t want to have to turn around before I was ready.
This could royally backfire.
I shoved the thought aside. I didn’t worry that I might die if I chose wrongly. That I might suffer tummy cramps and embarrassing after-effects of eating something my body didn’t agree with.
Because if I did this and it worked...
Food wouldn’t be so hard to come by.
Dashing to the first bush that looked innocuous and tasty, I tore off a leaf and brought it to my mouth.
“You can always test food another way. Care to answer what way that is?” My old biology teacher’s voice popped into my head. God, it’d been so long since I’d done biology—ever since I changed my mind from being a vet because I couldn’t stomach the thought of cutting up animals even if it was for their own good.
What had Professor Douglas said? Something about not eating it but...
The teacher tapped the blackboard. “Don’t eat it. That’s entirely too dangerous. Rub it on your skin first. Your body will let you know if it’s safe or not.”
Of course.
Doctors did that for new drugs and ointments. Before full use, they recommended a scratch test and a twenty-four hour wait.
I straightened out my left arm and dragged my fingernail across the underside.
Pain flared but I didn’t draw blood. I scraped deep enough to make my skin pink but not deep enough to do damage. I crushed the leaf between my fingers and rubbed it over the scratch—dousing my skin with foreign flavours.
If I remembered correctly, if in twenty-four hours my skin was hot or puffy, my body had rejected the leaf and it wasn’t safe to eat. However, if there was no reaction, it was okay to take to the next level and sample by eating.
My stomach growled at the thought of devouring something new.
Drawing an X on the soft mulchy ground, I moved toward another bush. This one smelled vaguely of thyme. Repeating the process, I scratched the inside of my right arm and smudged the pungent leaf over the irritated skin.
This time, I left an X with the Roman numeral I beside it.
Let the wait begin.
It would be the longest twenty-four hours of my life.
I stared longingly at the other undergrowth. If I tested each one tonight, then by tomorrow, I could have a smorgasbord of things to cook. But then, I wouldn’t know which set off a reaction if I suffered.
No, this is the only way. Two at a time and no more.
Striding back to camp, Galloway and Conner had woken and Pippa had filled the water bottles to share. My adopted family looked up as I returned.
“Where have you been?” Galloway’s intense blue eyes narrowed. “Pippa said you just ran off.”
“Oh she did, did she?” I scowled at Pippa, faking annoyance. “I hope she didn’t tell you anything else.”
The little girl shook her head. “Nuh uh. I did what you said. I waited and told them you’d gone. That’s it.”
My lips curled at how literal she was. She hadn’t quite captured the knack of sarcasm yet. “Well, I’m glad that you kept my secret about you know what and where I was with you know who this morning.”
A smile split her lips, catching my mention of our magical moment of mermaids.
“Wait.” Conner poked his sister. “What secret?”
Pippa stuck up her nose. “Not telling.”
“Go on, Pippi. You can tell us.” Galloway joined in, tickling the girl, making her squeal. “Not going to stop until you tell us.”
I laughed, moving to sit close by.
Galloway didn’t let up, drawing giggles and happy noises from her. To her credit, she didn’t break and she managed to escape Galloway’s hands and run.
I opened my arms. She barrelled into me, her tiny body trembling with exertion. “Never. I don’t tell secrets!”
I kissed her cheek. “Good for you, Pip. You tell ‘em you’re not a tattler.”
Her happy smile undid me. The fact she’d found some sort of joy here...that was priceless. Suddenly, her arms wrapped around my neck; she buried her face in my hair. “I love you, Stelly.”
Tears instantly sprang to my eyes.
She loved me.
My hug turned to steal; I crushed her to me. “I love you, too, Pippi.”
My eyes drifted over her head, meeting Galloway’s. He stood with every complex severity of our situation along with a faraway wish on his face. His mouth pursed, eyes bright, chin cocked with emotion.
I fell.
Staring at him.
I fell.
Harder and harder, deeper and deeper.