The thing we’ve been working toward. The thing that will end whatever this is between us.
I can still hear the generator faintly from outside, rumbling in the distant background.
I grab the remote starter from the mantle, and hit the button. It doesn’t turn off.
“Fuck sake,” I say.
I try again. Nothing. I flick a light switch. Turns on. Still has power.
I stand abruptly. “Looks like I’m going to have to go outside to shut down the generator.”
“What? You can’t!” she says. “We just agreed that it’s not safe to go out there after dark.”
“Yeah, but this is non-negotiable,” I reply. “Because when the fuel runs out shortly, we’ll have no way to power the Starlink dish.”
“Then I’m coming with you,” she announces.
“Sorrel, it’s cold as fuck out there. Plus that cat could be anywhere.”
She crosses her arms, and I recognize that stubborn set to her jaw. “You told me we stay together.Everywhere. Your rule, not mine.”
I want to argue that I’m perfectly capable of walking fifty yards alone, but she’s right. I made the rule. But the thought of her outside with that cat prowling in the dark, even with me present, makes my chest tight.
“Maybe it just needs a battery change,” she suggests.
“Maybe,” I agree. “Except I don’t know where Thomas keeps the batteries for this thing.”
I grab the remote starter again. Hesitantly press the button.
Work work.
Please fucking work.
That distance grinding noise instantly subsides. Holding my breath, I double-check by flicking a light switch.
It stays off.
My shoulders drop as tension I didn’t even known I was carrying drains out of me in one long exhale.
Thank fuck.
Sorrel is safe.
“The generator is shut down,” I announce. “We don’t have to go outside.”
She wraps her arms around me in a fierce bear hug, and cries audibly in relief.
Jesus. She’s really that afraid of the mountain lion?
Probably has good reason to be. I’m sure she’s seen ample evidence of what they can do to animals during her field expeditions.
I hold her tightly, not wanting to let go.
Finally she sniffles and pulls away, then quickly rubs the tears away.
“I’ll cook,” she offers.
“And I’ll watch.”
