by Nikki Lewen
They make good time traveling together and at camp, they quickly set up, eat, and settle in for the evening. Sadie starts on watch, and the night passes smoothly and uneventfully. Early the next day, they say good-bye to Jose, as the girls go their separate direction, each occupied with their own thoughts, doubts, and concerns. Jose will only be away a single night, but since it’s the trial run, and such a major component of their plan, each of them wrestles with a touch of anxiety.
The plan’s success hinges on Jose’s being able to trek solo and his comfort with spending time alone at Anna’s. For his first attempt, he’s returning only briefly, and then leaving early the next morning so they can reunite the following evening. Once alone, Jose picks up his pace and pushes forward, determined to be successful and achieve the goals he’s set for himself. First off, the boy wants to finds ways to travel the route faster. He figures, with each attempt, he’ll improve, until getting it down to the shortest possible time. Walking at a brisk pace, Jose mentally takes note of the various markers along the way. As he nears Anna’s place, he veers around to check the perimeter before heading into the home. Once there, he drops everything but his rifle, and heads up to the lookout camp before inspecting the boat.
Early the next morning, Jose re-checks the surrounding area, gathers a couple of items Sadie asked for, and leaves. He’s confident with his task and works on developing a rhythm to help keep a fast pace, finding enjoyment moving through the quiet and beauty of the woods. When he slows to drink, he controls his breathing, then, he takes off again at a trot, even as his muscles start to scream and fatigue begins to set in. His desire to improve motivates him, along with the mindset of not disappointing the girls, especially Anna, whom he’ll never let down again.
Nearing the campsite, Jose forces himself to slow and approach with caution. He walks around the perimeter, carefully scanning the surroundings. As he draws closer, he sees Anna working nearby and pauses. She’s using a small cutting tool to saw redwood branches into similar lengths. Once cut, they get stacked nearby, and the leftover pieces she tosses into a pile near the fire ring. He knows she’s struggling with the death of her parents, but at the moment, an air of ease and peacefulness is about her.
Jose, absorbed by watching Anna, is caught off guard by hearing his name from directly behind him. Even though the voice is recognizable, it still makes him jump. He was completely unaware of another’s presence and realizes his mistake. Sadie reads the boy’s disappointment in his body language and eyes, knows he understands the potential danger of such an error, and doesn’t make him feel any worse by lingering on it. Besides, she wholeheartedly believes he’ll never let it happen again, so instead, Sadie switches tactics.
“I didn’t expect you for a few more hours. That was fast,” she says, with praise.
Jose, caught off guard again—this time by her compliment—struggles with finding a response. He expected corrections, and instead, finds relief she’s not berating him for his obvious oversight.
He hesitates a little longer before shyly replying, “Next time…I’ll do it even faster.”
His eyes, still a little downcast, peek up, as Sadie pats him on the shoulder.
“Don’t be so hard on yourself...I have no doubt you’ll keep gettin’ better.”
Jose looks at Sadie, and together, they enter camp. As they near, Anna turns, also surprised.
“Jose!” Anna’s excitement at seeing him suddenly embarrasses her. She quickly regains her composure and walks over to him. Shyly, she speaks. “We didn’t think you’d get here until later.”
Jose, feeling better after Anna’s initial reaction, smiles and quickly changes the subject. “What’cha doin’ with the branches?” he asks, looking at her pile.
Anna’s eyes follow his, and her excitement returns. “I’m helping Sadie…she’s teachin’ me how to build a shelter. Wanna help?”
Sadie smiles watching the two interact. She knows Jose’s exhausted, sore, and probably hungry, but he’s not letting it interfere. Instead, he’s cutting branches as Anna stands nearby, helping. Sadie leaves them, for work of her own, and by dusk, the three gather at the fire ring to sit down for a dinner of roasted squirrel, mushrooms, and sorrel greens before crawling into their newly constructed sleeping quarters.
The shelter’s design keeps them elevated off the ground, and there’s just enough room for four people to lie down comfortably. It’s by far the largest shelter Sadie’s built, but it’s also the first time she’s needed to construct something bigger than for just herself. The thought spreads another smile across her face and Sadie doesn’t fail to recognize how good it makes her feel.
When they awake in the morning, Sadie takes them nearby to the other sites she’s prepared. Near the base of an old redwood stump sits a small boulder, where two ferns, squeezed between them, serve as camouflage. It’s obvious the ground’s been disturbed, but time will quickly erase the signs of the fresh work, making the cache hidden below the perfect stash location. Sadie shows them the items she’s already placed in it, and talks about what other supplies will get added. Moving on, they curl around the camp’s perimeter and head up a nearby slope to a tightly-packed group of redwoods, thick with branches and surrounded by bushy tree shoots protruding from around all the trunks. They maneuver around the branches, squeeze through the younger growth, and then circle a large stump until Sadie has them climb up on it. Standing atop it, the two kids look curiously down at Sadie.
“Keep looking,” she responds, to their unasked questions.
The two turn circles, gazing about at the trees surrounding them, and then look up. Jose gently pushes aside a few branches and discovers what Sadie wants them to find. Camouflaged by the branches, there’s a couple of foot and hand-holds, recently cut into the neighboring tree’s burls, allowing them to climb higher, where Sadie’s begun constructing another hideout.
Most of the structure is simply an enormous chandelier arm, protruding several feet out from the redwood’s trunk before turning back skyward at a ninety-degree angle. At some point, long ago, the tree suffered trauma, which resulted in the unique feature. The trees surrounding it grew so close together they created a natural barrier, almost completely enclosing the arm on one side and partially on the other. Varying gaps of space between the trees provide lookouts and defendable openings, if needed. It’s at the perfect vantage point, allowing views back towards camp, to the south, and the north, while keeping them completely hidden from below.
The kids, impressed with Sadie’s discovery, make room for her to join them. It’s a little crowded with all three, but they sit down, and Sadie discusses the rest of the preparations she wishes for the spot. Feeling blessed with the location, since it offers a safer place to overnight, Sadie’s more comfortable with Jose eventually being out here alone. After they finish talking, the three of them depart, with the boy once again in lead position as he navigates them back to Caleb. Sadie, watching him closely as she follows, has a growing confidence in his abilities and is put a little more at ease with her plan.
TWENTY-EIGHT
Sadie’s worried. Anna hasn’t spoken or eaten much, and her pace continues to grow sluggish, even though they’ve been taking it easy and stopping often for breaks. Sadie hoped to prevent the girl from fatiguing on this first leg of the journey and acclimate her to back-to-back, all-day hiking, while building stamina for what lies ahead. Pausing again to drink water, she’s patient while waiting for Anna.
“We’ll go only a little farther today,” Sadie encourages.
Anna simply nods and trudges on. Initially, the drive to complete her father’s quest and the excitement of traveling helped the poor girl, but the distraction didn’t last. Thinking about ways to keep Anna functioning, Sadie begins talking of her home and how close they’re getting. She tells Anna about what awaits their arrival, but the struggling youngster shows no signs of interest, until Sadie talks about taking a hot bath.
“You have…a bathtub?” Anna looks
up, and for the first time, joins the conversation.
“Yep…and right now there’s plenty of water,” Sadie chimes in, not wasting an opportunity to create something for the girl to look forward to. “You wanna go first when we get there?”
Anna gazes at her for a long time before replying in an almost trance-like fashion, “I’d…like…that...” then trails off, back in a haze.
Sadie lets her be; knowing they’ll arrive tomorrow and hopefully, the girl will recover some motivation. The following morning, they break camp early and head off. Sadie walks even slower, trying not to push Anna too hard, but it’s a struggle for the avid hiker. She’s never taken so long to travel from the cave to her home, and nearing her main shelter, Sadie points out the route they’ll take for a perimeter check. It’s a safety procedure Sadie lives by and wants to instill in Anna. Even though both women are anxious to be done, it’s too important to skip. When everything checks out, Sadie takes Anna through the hidden tunnel. At first, the girl isn’t impressed, especially, as they navigate the dark and narrow entrance.
“Welcome to my home,” Sadie happily says, unlocking the door.
It’s rather dark, with only a single lantern casting light, but Anna can sense the spacious living quarters. Sadie takes off her pack, has Anna do the same, and then disappears momentarily. Suddenly, the entire place lights up and Anna gasps. Sadie, returning to the child, has a huge smile on her face and is almost giddy.
“You’re my very first guest and…that’s special.” Sadie takes Anna’s hands in hers, “I’m glad I can share this with you. Come on...I’ll show ya around.”
Sadie’s contagious excitement, along with all the new things, is enthralling for Anna. There’s a plethora of items, rooms, and equipment to distract the young girl. The two of them could spend days, weeks, even months, and still not get through everything. It’s a lot to take in, but they make a pretty quick run of it. Before Anna gets too overloaded, Sadie changes things up.
“Why don’t you keep lookin’ around…I’ll start dinner and heat your bath.”
Anna stops looking at the items on a shelf and turns to face Sadie. The girl’s eyes tear up, but she’s able to control her emotions enough to speak. “Thank you…for…everything. You’ve been so good to me…and…and…” she loses what composure she has and breaks down crying.
Sadie steps closer, wrapping her in a hug, “It’s okay Anna, it’s my pleasure, really…I should be thankin’ you…for…travelin’ here, with me. I know it hasn’t been easy, but…I’m proud of you.”
They remain embraced until Anna gets herself back under control, and when she does, Sadie kisses the top of her head and lets go.
“Alright kiddo…I’ll get things started…make yourself at home,” Sadie says, leaving the girl.
While Sadie works in the kitchen, Anna thumbs through several of the books that line nearly an entire wall of one of the rooms. It’s Sadie’s personal library, and Anna’s amazed. She’s never seen so many books, and she can’t wait to tell Jose. He’ll love them. Flipping through the pages of one, she reads the captions underneath the pictures. Even though she doesn’t understand several of the bigger words, or fully comprehend it all, Anna’s interested because it’s about gardening, and there’s a large section dedicated to the subject.
Anna’s parents taught her to read with extremely limited resources. Her home schooling was minimal as helping run the homestead kept her busy. It took a lot of effort for the family to survive, but in the evenings, when work was done, her parents would take turns teaching Anna, or sharing stories about how it was before the Global Flood drowned the planet.
Both her mom and dad worked in the agricultural industry, starting early in their childhoods. They toiled alongside their parents in the berry fields, eventually working upwards in the system. Working hard, they earned enough to buy land and build their own place, where they raised their daughter. Gardening was what her family did together, and as Anna closes her eyes, she realizes she took it all for granted. The finality of it is gut-wrenching and tears run down her checks. When she opens her eyes, she sees Sadie standing nearby.
“Come on kiddo…dinner’s ready.”
Anna returns the book to its place, wipes her cheeks dry, and turns around, as Sadie drapes an arm around her shoulders while they walk out of the room.
“In honor of your arrival, I made us a few treats. Let’s enjoy ’em first…then you can soak in a nice hot tub. Okay?”
“Okay,” the child responds, leaning her head against Sadie’s torso.
Suddenly, Anna’s senses are overwhelmed with all the enticing aromas. Her stomach growls in response as she greedily inhales another nose full. Anna didn’t realize how hungry she was and can’t wait to see what smells so good. The dining area is set with the finest china owned and the décor is festive.
Anna looks from the table to Sadie. “You were busy!”
Sadie pulls out a chair for the girl to sit and lifts a miniature bottle of champagne.
“I’ve had this forever…couldn’t imagine when I’d ever drink it. But…thinkin’ about tonight’s meal…it popped into my head.” She laughs at the joke as the bottle pops. “It’s not as cold as it should be…and honestly, you’re still a little young, but…this is a special occasion.” She fills both their flukes, raises her glass, and nods to Anna to do the same. “I’ve been on my own a very, very long time…and I’m glad fate brought us together. May we enjoy each other’s company…learn from one another…and, one day, discover the reason we’ve been brought together.”
They clink glasses, and Sadie sips hers first. Anna follows Sadie’s lead and takes a drink.
The girl scrunches up her nose. “It’s bubbly and tickles my nose!”
Sadie laughs. “It’s champagne, enjoyed on special occasions.” She clinks the girl’s glass again. “Cheers.”
Both ladies empty their glasses, and Sadie pours what remains from the miniature bottle. This time, Anna raises her glass first.
“Thank you…for sharing…all this with me.” Anna says, gesturing to everything around before they sip their second glass.
Anna, feeling pretty good, is ready to eat. Her face is warm and a touch tingly, she’s smiling and incredibly hungry. She’s never had alcohol before and it’s making her a little giggly. Sadie serves them each a small bowl of soup, accompanied with hot bread sticks. Anna digs in, eating loudly. Everything tastes so good. She wipes her mouth, watching Sadie serve up the main course. The rising steam sends another delectable aroma through the air, and Anna’s, never seen this type of food before and asks about it.
“It’s lasagna. Layers of noodles, cheese, and vegetables all smothered in tomato sauce. But what makes it really incredible are the fresh herbs and garlic. For that, we have to thank Clara.” Sadie answers, cutting the food into squares.
A smile spreads across Anna’s face. She’s looking forward to meeting the old woman. She’s already heard so much about her from Sadie. She takes the first forkful and the taste overwhelms her.
“Mmmm…dis iz sooo…good!” Anna says, talking with her mouth full and already taking another bite.
As soon as Anna finishes, Sadie serves her another portion. It makes her feel good to see the young girl eating so heartily. As the two finish their meal, Sadie takes the plates away and returns with yet another item. Its smell is completely different and Anna’s not sure how much more she can eat, but it smells so good.
“Hope you saved room for dessert,” Sadie says, while cutting a piece.
Anna, stares at the dark brown item Sadie just set on the little plate in front of her. Once again, she has no idea what it is and looks to Sadie. Seeing the amusement in Sadie’s eyes, Anna doesn’t ask this time; instead, she just takes a huge bite. An explosion of sweetness erupts and Anna can’t believe how incredible it is. She takes another bite, and then another, before she remembers Sadie’s watching.
Sadie bursts out laughing. It’s so contagious that Anna joins her.
The two are laughing hysterically, and Anna has no idea why. When she asks, it only starts Sadie up again, which in turn, gets Anna going. They laugh so hard that Sadie has to wipe the corners of her eyes. When finally able to talk, Sadie first takes a bite of her dessert and makes the girl wait another moment.
She swallows. “They’re chocolate brownies. From the expressions on your face…I gather…you’ve never eaten one before?”
Anna shakes her head no. “It’s delicious. My parents told me about chocolate, but tastin’ it is so much better.” The girl uses her fingers to pick up the last crumbs on her plate.
“Watchin’ you eat it…may have been even more pleasurable.” Sadie laughs one more time and begins to clean up.
Anna gets up to help, but Sadie stops her.
“No, but thank you. You’re my guest…I can’t have you doin’ anything but enjoying yourself. Besides…you have a bath that should be ready, but…first…how ’bout some music? Wha d’yah feel like?”
Anna shrugs her shoulders. She’s never heard anything but an occasional song from her parents. “I’ve never heard any. So…pick somethin’ for me.”
“Ohhh, kiddo…no music…we’ll fix that. Tomorrow, while I do my chores…and get us ready, you’re gettin’ the full music experience. In the meantime…I’ll pick somethin’ to start ya off.” Sadie scans her collection and turns the sound system on. She scrolls through her digital collection, finding what she wants. “Something, like this.” She hits “play,” and the music immediately spreads throughout the entire compound.