“We’re definitely not in Kansas anymore,” Logan added. He actually liked the cricket-filled darkness, but felt obligated to say something in solidarity.
Ashton and Tess returned from the lake. Ashton plopped down with a first aid kit and used the firelight to apply ointment and Band-Aids, the way Tess had taught them the day before.
“Y’all survived day one,” Tess said. “Good job. I know dinner was sparse, but we’ll have more time for food collectiontomorrow. Joseph and Carter, you’re on fire duty in the morning. That means up by dawn.”
Joseph groaned and stood. “I’m hittin’ the hay then. Night, y’all.”
While they’d opted for a group approach to the bathroom, they decided on a little more privacy for tent setup. Tess had let them choose between a circled-wagon scenario—all the tents close together near the fire pit, or an every-man-for-himself option, which meant as long as you were within eyesight of base camp, you could go as far as you wanted. Carter and Grayson had set up near the water. Ashton and Joseph, over by the treeline.
Assuming Tess knew best, Logan had followed her lead and, while giving her plenty of space, pitched his tent midway between the lake and the forest. He thought he saw a hint of approval in her expression.
After crawling into his tent, he stripped off his sweat-soaked clothes, wiped off with some waterless bath towelettes he’d purchased from The Outpost, and wriggled into his sleeping bag.
Exhausted, he was sure he’d pass out right away. But, used to crashing on four inches of memory foam, he spent half the night tossing and turning on the hard, bumpy ground.
Finally, in the wee hours, he was lulled to sleep by a symphony of crickets, owls, and coyotes.
CHAPTER FIVE
Tess
Tess woke a little groggy but no worse for wear. She’d slept a solid six and a half hours, and that was as good as could be expected.
She dressed and crawled out of her tent. Joseph and Carter had started a fire. Logan had collected water from the lake and put it on to boil.
“Nice going on the fire, guys,” she said.
“A-hem.” Logan coughed.
“And the water.” She chuckled. “Great job hauling water, Logan.”
“Can’t start the day without coffee.”
“Agreed.” Tess set up her camp chair and rubbed her hands near the fire. “I expect some sore muscles and achy feet today, so we’ll take it easy. This morning, we’ll go over emergency stuff and plan the week. After lunch, we can do some fishing.”
“What if we don’t catch anything?” Carter asked, a hint of desperation in his voice.
“Then it’s jerky and protein bars for dinner again,” Tess said. “A couple of us can hike to a place I know and see if the berries are ripe yet. Maybe find some mushrooms.”
“I’m going to die up here, aren’t I?” Ashton said.
“If you do, dibs on a leg,” Carter said.
“Nobody’s dying,” Tess said. “And no one’s eating anyone either.”
“I’m a big man, Tess,” Carter said. “I need sustenance.”
“Your body can take more than you think. You’ll probably lose a few pounds, but that’s part of the challenge.”
She’d recommended, but made it optional, that they pack a lightweight camp chair or stool to sit on. But with all the other supplies they’d been saddled with, only Logan had taken the advice.
So, while he and Tess sat comfortably on small, three-legged seats, the others shifted awkwardly on the ground.
“Let’s drag some big logs over to the fire pit later,” she said. “Then everyone can sit.”
The four mumbled their appreciation.
“Grayson,” Joseph said. “You look like you didn’t sleep at all.”
