by Nikki Lewen
Sadie looks at Jose, “Ready?”
The boy takes a deep breath, mentally reviews his part, and takes the radio’s controls. Their farce goes off perfectly and afterwards, Sadie finalizes a few things with Jose before returning to the house to do the same with Anna. They have two days of preparations to complete before they leave, and each of them is responsible for certain items. A whirlwind of activity takes place the next day and they come together only briefly to share food before heading back to their chores. At dinner, Sadie checks off the items each has completed and verifies what’s still left to accomplish. They’ve done well, are nearly ready, and everything is on track.
On their last day, Sadie helps Anna and verifies all the remaining preparations the girl made are complete. When Sadie leaves the house to check with Jose, Anna heads up to her parents’ graves for an important last detail. With each step, the girl’s emotions strengthen and at their graves, she stumbles, falling to her knees, as grief erupts and runs its course. As it subsides, Anna’s able to return to her feet, speaking to her mom and dad.
She fills them in, talking in depth about Jose and Sadie. When she gets to the part about leaving, she jokes with her dad about him being right. She’s going to see the proof he always wanted, but choking up, the girl’s unable to continue. She blubbers through tears in an incoherent jumble of words and afterwards, is exhausted, but feels better.
The following morning begins, as always, with Sadie’s early morning patrol. When she returns, they eat a small breakfast before departing. There’s apprehension and a little fear in Anna’s eyes as she leaves the only home she’s ever known. Her decision to fulfill the family’s trek and explore the island is what pulls her forward. She wishes her parents were here now, since her family was supposed to do this together, but instead, she’s making the journey in their honor. Anna wears her mother’s old worn backpack and drinks from her dad’s water bottle, in an attempt of keeping them with her as she travels.
Jose also feels a little unease. He’s concerned one of the Splitter fleet’s crews might find the hidden cove and search the island. Even though the odds of that happening are small, its possible discovery still worries him. At least there’s no one there to harm, but on the other hand, there’s also no one guarding the boat and house, and he doesn’t want anything to happen to any of it—or to any of them. He vows to do whatever it takes to protect Sadie and Anna, and never again, will he let the Splitters harm others.
Along the way, uncertainty also creeps into Sadie’s mind. Even though their charade went smoothly, the knowledge that Splitter crews have been scouting the surrounding waters concerns her. By now, they should be far from the island, but there’s always the possibility they’ll come back. She contemplates each detail, looking at things from different angles, and decides to stick with the wisdom of her plan.
Stopping, she looks back to watch the two kids trailing behind. Watching them move, Sadie notices subtle differences and smiles at them. They’ve done well and she’s proud. It’s a solid pace and they’ve kept up, without once complaining. Today’s hike is easy, as much of it’s on Anna’s section of the island, and they’re able to follow old logging roads and trails.
When they hike beyond the territory the kids already know, Sadie points out various landmarks, ensuring they’ll learn it. She’s especially focused on Jose’s learning, as she explains alternative routes and ways to make the trek even faster, preparing him for his return, when he’ll do it solo. Once they get to the cave, the girls will continue on Anna’s journey, fulfilling her dad’s wishes, but Jose will play a much different role. He’ll move every few days, dividing his time between Caleb and Anna’s homestead.
As evening approaches, they near their resting place for the night, which Sadie debated whether to use or not. Setting down her pack, she signals for Jose and Anna to do the same. Sadie contemplates where to begin and how to approach things with the kids. She takes a deep breath and decides on sharing the ugly truth about what occurred at this spot. As she talks, they look around as Sadie tells them how she’d like to transform the site. When she finishes, the kids remain silent.
“Well, what do you think? Will you help me?” Sadie says, after giving them a few more moments.
Both nod in agreement, feeling a sense of loss and responsibility, but they realize, turning such a horrible thing into something positive is empowering for them. Sadie retrieves a few things from her pack, sets the items aside, and goes about gathering materials to make a fire. They collect wood and rearrange the stones from the previous fire ring to create something new. Repeatedly striking her flint, Sadie gets the flames going while thinking about the next lesson she plans on teaching. She holds the sage bundle and explains what it is, how it’s been used over the generations, and where she got it. Using some of Clara’s words, Sadie describes the way the old woman uses the cleansing and purifying plant.
Jose and Anna comprehend all Sadie explains and feel a deep-seated righteousness about it all. Sadie lights the sage, and all three purify their hands and bodies with its smoke before encircling the campsite with the small bundles they carry. Jose and Anna walk in opposite directions until they finish their circle and are back together. Sadie uses hers to cleanse the area where she found Caleb’s friend. She burns the last of it, saying a few words of closer, and then returns to setting up for the night.
Anna searches for the perfect branches and makes a cross, while Jose sets about creating another wreath. While the kids are busy, Sadie buries what remains of the Splitters’ garbage, and as they finish, the three of them erect a memorial by mounding stones around the cross’s base. With it completed, they stand in a moment of silence for the murdered man, and then settle down next to the fire. Even though such a terrible event occurred here, each feels they’ve helped right a wrong. From now on, this place will remain as a memorial to all of those who’ve suffered at the hands of the Nation and a place of honor for the few who have pledged to fight them.
At sunrise, the two kids are up hunting with Sadie and along the way, she uncovers the stash of items she confiscated from the dead Splitters. She decides to give the remaining rifle to Jose and talks with him about relocating the fuel cans and ammo boxes, also hidden there, back to Anna’s. He’ll carry something each time he makes the hike, hiding them along the way, until he finally manages getting them all the way there. Hiking further, Sadie shows them where she sent the quad the Splitters stole form Anna’s family over the cliff, apologizing to the girl while doing so.
“I was coverin’ the tracks and…worried more Splitters would come lookin’. I’m sorry…I destroyed it.”
The girl carefully approaches the edge and peers down. There’s no evidence of it below, only the crashing of waves. The ground is still unstable and she quickly retreats back to safety. The quad was her father’s, and Anna remembers the times she rode with him. When she was littler, she sat tucked in front, with his hands over hers, while he taught her to drive and work the controls. He’d do donuts with it, making her laugh and forcing her to hang on even tighter. She misses him dearly and realizes those days are gone. Instead of crying, Anna shares the stories with Sadie and Jose.
Soon, they arrive at the clearing where Sadie first discovered the two dead Splitters. She shares the information with the kids, shows them the rock where she spent the night when she found Caleb, and what supplies she’s stashed nearby for emergencies. She talks survival strategies, shelters, and water collection techniques, along the way. By mid-day they’re nearing her cave, and Sadie’s excited to show it to the kids. Their anticipation grows and they’re ready to finally arrive at their destination.
When they near the water collection trees, Sadie removes from her pack a condensation bag she travels with and teaches Jose and Anna how to use it. She sets it up and then removes it, allowing each of them to practice the procedures. It’s an effective way to learn and when she’s satisfied with their level of mastery, the group continues forward. Instead of head
ing directly to the cave’s entrance, Sadie takes them around the perimeter, explaining why she does it this way.
Once the perimeter check is complete, Sadie heads towards the cave, stopping only to have the kids wait nearby. They can see the fallen trees and are surprised to learn that Sadie’s hideout could be among the mess. They watch her climb over one log and then disappear. She seems to be taking forever, and even though they don’t talk about it, both kids grow a little worried.
Inside, Sadie finds Caleb awake and reading a book. He looks a little better than he did the last time she was here, and he’s relieved to see her. He starts to get up and Sadie goes to his side to help. She’s been gone a lot longer this time around and he’s been worried about her safety. When he gets to his feet, he surprises Sadie by wrapping his arms around her. He continues holding on, until it becomes awkward, and embarrassingly lets go.
“We’ve got company,” Sadie interjects, before he can say anything.
At first, the words scare him, but then he sees her relaxed body language and the smile on her face. Sadie gives him a quick update on all that’s happened since she left and lets him know they’ll talk in detail later. For now, she wants to introduce him. He looks around, feels a little embarrassed about how messy he’s left things, and starts to clean up. Sadie joins him, rearranging items so there’ll be more room to accommodate two more people.
The kids’ initial excitement shifts to uncertainty as they crawl under the last log on their way to meeting a stranger. Inside, they feel shy and a little uncomfortable in the cramped space. They aren’t sure where to stand or put their things. Sadie breaks the ice with introductions as Caleb greets them by shaking their hands while she places their belongings to the side and makes room for all of them to sit.
At first, the kids are quiet, but Sadie knows them well enough to ease their uncertainties and get them interacting. It’s easy getting Jose to talk about his boat. With Anna, it’s a little more difficult, but eventually, the girl shares information about her upcoming journey with Sadie. As the girl speaks, Caleb looks over to Sadie giving her a look conveying that, they do indeed, have a lot to talk about. As the two kids relax, they feel the soreness in their muscles and the hunger in their bellies.
Sadie starts charging the hand generator and both kids swivel around to see what she’s up to. She lets them take turns pulling the cord and then gives them small tasks, keeping them occupied. Before they eat, and it gets too dark, Sadie asks Jose and Anna to do the short perimeter check, reminding them of the path and markers. The kids remember to leave quietly, pausing to listen to their surroundings, before emerging into the woods.
With the kids gone, Sadie and Caleb have a chance to talk privately. Sadie continues preparing food and while working, she talks, as Caleb finds himself frustrated that, once again, he’ll be stuck in the cave, while she’s out and about. At least, this time he’ll have some company, even if it’s a young kid, whom he’s only just met. As they talk, Caleb agrees with Sadie’s logic, and voices the same concerns she has about leaving Jose, at times, all alone, at Anna’s. However, they agree that—really—there’s no other way.
TWENTY-SEVEN
Sadie wakes before anyone else and steps outside. Her little hideout is full of bodies and all of them stayed up late—talking, laughing, and hanging out. It felt like old times with her family, except, now, she’s the adult. Sitting in silence, she finds it enjoyable to think back to those fun-filled days of her youth. A subtle noise draws her attention, and listening, she hears when Jose finally emerges.
“Morning, kiddo,” she says, noticing he’s carrying the rifle she gave him yesterday.
He smiles back. “Can I join ya?”
“Of course.” Sadie says, glad he wants to go.
Sadie hasn’t said anything about it yet, but she’s curious about Jose’s level of experience with a rifle. After a quick perimeter check, and thinking Jose would enjoy it, she heads towards one of her father’s favorite hunting grounds. It helps the weather’s cooperating and it’s clear enough to make the spot a viable option.
They climb quietly, occasionally stopping whenever Sadie signals. Before they crest a ridge, she pauses, points, and whispers to Jose. They descend at an angle, almost halfway down a rather steep slope, hiking along a game trail, until an impressive oak tree comes into view. Sadie carefully scans the area before slowly approaching the unique oak. The trunk separates into four individual sections, making it appear to be a tight cluster of trees, and they climb a rope ladder up to a platform constructed between the separated trunks.
Sadie visits the area often, but it’s been a long time since she’s hunted here, as the weather hasn’t been clear enough to see what unfolds below. It’s a mystical place, carpeted in every shade of green. The mountain sorrel, which looks like giant clover, is thick and vibrant from the recent rains, and moss covers nearly everything. Ancient ferns grow thickly and some of the oldest redwoods in the mountains tower above the forest floor.
The unique contour of the land often traps the fog, which aids the landscape’s ability to support such lush vegetation. The fog’s moisture seeps into the canyon, keeping the forest floor damp, and therefore, much greener than its surroundings. Today, however, it’s clear enough, that, from their perch above, they have a wide view of the expanse below. All around, thick redwoods dominate, and their lone oak is the only one of its species in the canyon. It sits high up the slope, where there’s just enough space—and open sky—for it to thrive.
After brushing debris off the platform, the two sit down. Sadie settles into a comfortable position with her crossbow and Jose does the same with his rifle. She scans the surroundings, seeing nothing of interest, and decides to use the opportunity to talk instead. Jose’s got a big day ahead of him and it’s important that he’s ready, but first, she wants to check his rifle knowledge, as it’s obvious he’s never used one before. At times, he’s a little clumsy, and noticeably unsure, so Sadie inquires about it in a low whisper, and once again, the kid surprises her.
“It’s not loaded. I’m not ready for bullets…I don’t want to waste ’em. I need to practice carryin’ and handlin’ it. But,” he reaches into one of his pockets and shows Sadie the ammo, “I’m ready…just in case.”
Sadie spends time teaching Jose everything she knows about the gun. They never see any animals, but it doesn’t matter. For the time being, Jose’s satisfied learning how to use his new tool, along with working on becoming a true marksman. He’s an excellent student and Sadie has him practice loading and unloading the rifle, repeatedly, until he’s more confident doing so.
With the bullets back in Jose’s pocket, Sadie progresses the lesson to aiming and pulling the trigger. His first few reps are from a prone position, then, he transitions to kneeling, and finally, he practices while standing. Wrapping up the instruction, Sadie encourages him to keep training, and to work with Caleb, reminding him of the importance of actual target practice and getting the feel of shooting live rounds.
When they climb back down, Sadie leads him deeper into the carpeted canyon. Along the way, they come across a huge patch of nibbled vegetation. All the leaves are missing from the sorrel, leaving perfectly erect stems. Sadie excitedly points out this obvious deer sign to Jose and walking further, they approach a huge redwood log. One end is overgrown with ferns and Sadie pushes them aside to remove an old section of chicken wire hidden beneath the thick fronds. Setting the barrier aside, she uses branches, kept nearby, to hold back the ferns. The open gap reveals the hollowness of the log and a dark, damp, rich layer of soil and decay lining its bottom. Sadie stops at the opening, checking over her crop.
She’s particular in her selection and while cutting, she’s careful not to damage their fine root structures. Gently harvesting two different varieties, she shakes what spores she can from the caps, explaining to Jose why it’s important to do so. She places the mushrooms in a small sack looped into the strap of her daypack and recovers the log’s open
ing. On the way out, each of them picks sorrel greens, filling another small bag. Sadie’s already said it once while gathering the mushrooms and before she can finish saying it again, Jose cuts her off.
“I know. Never go back empty handed…there’s always somethin’…you just have to know how to look.” His eyes roll slightly, accompanying his heart-felt grin.
Realizing her point’s been made, Sadie smiles. “Alright, let me show you one more thing.”
She returns to the opposite side of the log and squeezes between it and the slope behind, where several large stones hold back most of the earth. Hidden beneath another canopy of ferns is an arrangement of rocks that’s obviously not naturally formed. At the bottom of these, a small pipe sticks out several inches, and a piece of black irrigation line runs angling down the remaining slope.
As the water line descends, it disappears behind more rocks. Sadie removes several stones from the top of the stack and slides off a section of old plastic roofing material, exposing two five-gallon buckets tucked neatly into the stone cache. They’re connected to one another by a short section of tubing, have tightly sealed lids, and at the buckets’ bottoms, there are small valves. There’s just enough room underneath the spigots to place a water bottle, which Sadie fills now. When she finishes, Jose does the same with his.
She shows Jose how the overflow runs out another line, when the buckets are full, dripping water directly into the log’s bottom. The small spring produces enough water to keep the mushrooms growing, and Sadie hydrated, anytime she’s in the area. It’s rather simple, but incredibly impressive at the same time. Jose takes his time checking all the connections, making sure he grasps all aspects of the set-up and then together, Sadie and Jose return the lid and stones and head towards the cave. When they return, it’s only for a quick check-in, before leaving again. This time, Anna joins them, and Jose leads, since Sadie wants to make sure he’s able to find his way when alone. The ladies plan to accompany him all the way to the Memorial Campground, and then, in the morning, he’s solo.