by Nikki Lewen
They stare while Sadie demonstrates their new gift’s basic functions and what’s been downloaded onto them. She’s filled the tablets with books, games, and music. Moving through Anna’s screens, she shows the girl how to access the playlist.
“It’s got some of your parents’ music…here…” she shows Anna, “plus, all kinds more.”
Anna hugs Sadie, quickly selects a song, and plays it. Moving closer to Clara, Sadie shows the old woman how to open a variety of magazines and newspapers it stores.
“It’ll give you information…and…coverage on everything…until…just after the Tri-nami…by the time the quakes shook, access to any updates were gone, but most of the years you missed are there. Remember…a lot…isn’t good…” Sadie hesitates, not sure what else to say.
“It’s okay…I want to know,” Clara says.
Sadie demonstrates how to charge the tablets using one of her hand-operated generators that she’s also leaving them. Now that both women understand their gifts, the full excitement of what Sadie’s given them ignites. Even more exciting is the still rather large pile from her pack, and they take turns opening and looking at all the items. Sadie provides Anna with notebooks, art materials, and plenty of other supplies to encourage an educational and creative side. There’s plenty of notepads and journals for Clara, too, and Sadie requests the old woman start recording specifics about her practices so the wisdom and knowledge she’s developed over her lifetime can be shared.
What remains is a large supply of dry goods, a couple of clothing items, and a small case of personal hygiene products—complete with new toothbrushes and dental floss. The best of it all, Sadie saved for last. Watching her carefully open two wooden boxes wrapped in cloth, both Clara and Anna’s eyes fly open, then look up at the same time.
“Seeds!” they exclaim in unison.
The boxes contain airtight packages of clearly labeled seeds. The two read out loud what each contains, and Sadie smiles at their joy. Their happiness is as much a gift for her as it is for them. Finishing their examination, Sadie’s anxious to start her trek, and telling the ladies what her plans are and when she’ll return, Sadie shoulders her pack.
“Before you go, I’ve got a couple things for you, too.” Clara turns and whispers to Anna, who giggles, and then runs off with the basket.
Clara disappears into the pantry and comes back with an armload of food. Just as she sets everything on the table, Anna runs in, breathing heavily.
“These are for you,” the girl says, handing the heavy load of persimmons to Sadie and feeling good to be the one giving something.
Sadie’s grateful for all the fresh food and carefully packs the supplies. As she re-straps on her pack, heavy once again, they say their goodbyes. Sadie asks Anna to learn all she can from the old woman and reminds the child about preparing to one day run her family’s homestead. While wrapping her in a hug, Sadie kisses the top of Anna’s head.
“Take care of Clara too…okay?” she whispers.
The girl holds back tears, saying she will. Sadie, turning to Clara, embraces her, and while holding onto one another, Sadie reminds Clara to take it easy on her leg. All of them walk a short distance together until Sadie hikes off alone.
THIRTY-ONE
It’s later than usual and Caleb worries about Jose, but pacing while waiting proves helpful for him. He can manage only a couple of steps before running out of space and having to turn around, but the little bit of movement feels good. All the lying around and sitting has his back in knots, his legs cramped, and his neck tight. Physically, Caleb needs to move, and psychologically, he needs the boy to arrive soon. Keeping a steady rhythm, he counts each step, and, as the number grows, the counting becomes Caleb’s mantra, alleviating his anxiety while working as a walking meditation. Finished, he heads back inside, and when a light tapping on the cave’s door begins, Caleb hurriedly opens it. Realizing his error, Caleb finds a rifle pointing in his face as Jose frowns and then lowers his gun.
“Sorry, kid, I forgot.”
Jose closes the door, sets down his pack, and takes a seat.
“Come on…I’m sorry. I’ll do it next time,” Caleb says, reassuring the boy.
Jose, not really too upset, has much to share and struggles holding back what he really wants to discuss. “Okay, just…make sure you follow protocol.”
Caleb, shaking his head at Jose’s seriousness, nods, and offers him leftovers, knowing the kid’s hungry from his long hike. They’re cold, but Jose devours the food, washing it down with the last of his water.
“Thanks,” he meekly replies, realizing Caleb’s been watching him scarf down the meal.
“How come you’re so late?” Caleb asks.
Jose wipes his mouth on the sleeve of his jacket and regains his urge to explode with the information he carries. Caleb hasn’t failed to notice the twinkle in Jose’s eyes or the excitement he’s bursting with, but before the kid can speak, a faint knocking interrupts them. Both men excitedly turn to the door, but before Caleb opens it, Jose stops him, and together they respond appropriately. Hearing the signal that it’s safe to enter, Sadie opens the door, and seeing she’s alone, Jose grows alarmed.
“Where’s Anna?!” the kid blurts before they’ve even said hello.
“Don’t worry, she’s okay.” Sadie replies, relieving Jose’s concern as she provides a brief overview of her travels with Anna, the difficulties the girl had while hiking, and the decision for her to stay with Clara.
Jose, feeling a little better, is still disappointed.
“Come on, kiddo.” Sadie wraps Jose in a hug, properly greeting him.
Caleb, a little jealous of their affection, simply gets a polite nod.
“So…what’s with the stuff outside?” Sadie asks.
“Oh, yeah!” Jose, distracted by her entrance, and then by Anna’s absence, returns to his feelings of excitement. He turns to Caleb, “I brought you somethin’.” He ducks outside and returns with an old collapsible stepstool. While opening it, he explains further. “Obviously, it needed repairs…and…I had ta make a couple modifications, but…it works great!”
Two of the three steps have been replaced with small sections of wood, almost the entire length of one side is reinforced with random pieces of metal, two rope attachments have been added, and it’s painted in camouflage. The boy demonstrates how the ropes work, explaining to Caleb he’ll be able to lift it from atop the log without bending over.
“It’s perfect! Thanks!” Caleb says, also excited.
While Caleb looks over the stepstool, Jose glances at Sadie. She doesn’t look upset, but the boy doesn’t take any risks. He quickly informs her of the discussions the two of them have been having about Caleb’s ability to get out. After listening to everything the boy shares, Caleb chimes in, explaining his frustrations with being trapped in the cave. He updates Sadie on his recovery, explaining the minor amount of walking he’s already been doing and how he increases it each time.
“Please, Sadie. I need this. Can I keep it…here?” Caleb asks humbly, seeing she’s not immediately accepting of the idea.
Sadie’s overwhelmed by the look in Caleb’s eyes and has to break contact with him. Looking at the boy, she senses the same from him.
“Alright, you two…let’s see how it works,” she finally says.
Both men smile and high-five. It makes Sadie smile, even though she’s not overly fond of the idea. They make their way outside, as Sadie closely observes Caleb. She’s trying to gauge his pain, and he’s trying his best to not show any. Both realize what the other is doing, but neither says anything. Jose picks up a small sack—also left outside—realizing he didn’t finish telling Caleb why he was so late returning to the cave.
“This is one of my other surprises,” he says, holding open the bag for Caleb and Sadie. They look in and glance back to Jose, who’s smiling from ear to ear. Sadie removes the raccoon, finding it’s been shot in the head, while Caleb proudly pats Jose on the back.
/> “I spotted it…caught in one of my snares. It was close to escaping…so…I took aim, but missed. So…I tried again.” A little bit of his excitement falters. “I know…I had an unfair advantage…”
“But…it’s a good clean shot,” Sadie says, cutting him off.
“There’s something else, too. I’ve made a huge discovery!” Jose can barely contain himself. “And…it’s the biggest surprise yet!” Jose nearly yells, “I found fuel! And lots of it!”
Jose’s words stun both Sadie and Caleb. Quickly, Sadie’s sense of curiosity takes over and her questions begin. She asks so many, so fast, that Jose can only laugh. Sadie, realizing the error of her eagerness, allows the boy to divulge all the details without interruption.
Excitedly, Jose begins his story. “I thought it odd that Anna’s family has a huge semi truck on the property. So…I climbed in the cab…to inspect it. Sitting in the driver’s seat gave me a different perspective. I kept lookin’ over the truck, the tractor next to it, and the hillside everythin’ butts against. The hill’s shape is perfectly symmetrically…it’s not like any of the others and…that too seemed odd.”
Jose takes a deep breath and then jumps right back into his tale. “I got out…walked around it, and did the same with the tractor before climbing the hill. I wasn’t exactly sure what I was looking for…but something ’bout it…was…puzzling.” He turns to Sadie. “You know where that old shed sits? Up against the same hillside?”
She nods, and he goes on.
“Well...one side and its back are built into the hill…just the roof sits above ground. It’s full of broken furniture, rusted garden tools, and a bunch of random junk.” Jose turns to Caleb. “That’s where I found your stepladder and the materials to repair it.” He turns back to Sadie, “there’s also a couple gas barrels…almost empty, and…when I moved ’em, it cleared enough space to see a huge section of the back wall. That’s when I really noticed the shed’s unique construction. From outside…it looks old and fallin’ apart, but…inside, it’s solid. The wall against the side slope is all cinder block…the opposite side and the front are wood, but the backside…is outlined with concrete blocks with wood in the middle...” He briefly pauses, making sure they’re following.
Sadie squints, while thinking out loud, “It should all be blocks…otherwise…”
“Right!” Jose interjects, not letting her finish, “otherwise it’d rot…’cause it butts against a dirt slope! It appeared solid, but…when I pounded…it sounded hollow. I didn’t see or feel any ways to open it, but I knew there was somethin’…then, I noticed a small gap at the bottom. There was just enough room to squeeze my fingertips into the space. I tried lifting…then pushing, but it wouldn’t move…until I pulled it towards me…and the entire section swung open! There’s a hidden compartment!”
Jose, breathing rapidly, sips his water to re-moisten his mouth. “I know why they had the truck…to haul an entire tanker of fuel! There are hose connections that smell of gas and…I think it’s pretty full! At least it sounded that way…when I banged on it.”
Finally sharing his discovery, Jose feels a surge of pride and accomplishment. Realizing the experience wasn’t the same without being able to tell the others, Jose’s grateful for his new friends and appreciates belonging to a team. Making sure to finish the remaining details and report the rest of his findings, Jose’s tone shifts to a more controlled manner.
“I examined the tanker and its set-up,” he continues, “only the first few feet of the trailer are visible…the rest is buried. The only operational gas-powered items on the homestead are the quads and a couple chainsaws. All the other things…are in disrepair, but…maybe, with some time…I might be able to get ’em working.” He chooses his next words thoughtfully. “But…I think, Anna’s family used gas…sparingly…at most. From the looks of the tanker…and how much growth is on the hillside over it…I think it’s been buried a long time.”
He hesitates, swallows, and adds his last thoughts, “I think it’s been hidden all of Anna’s life. I…don’t think she even knows it’s there.” Suddenly, he feels uncomfortable, and looking at Sadie and Caleb’s quizzical expressions doesn’t help. He sheepishly goes on. “I just think…that…if Anna knew about it…she’d told us.”
“I don’t think she knows, either.” Sadie says, before telling him what a great job he’s been doing.
Caleb does the same and both adults are proud and pleased with Jose, but more importantly, they’re gaining confidence in his abilities.
“Okay,” Sadie begins, “we’ve been here long enough. Let’s see how this thing works,” she says, pointing at the stepstool. “And then…let’s move.”
Sadie hands Caleb the stepladder, wanting to see how well he does. Carefully setting it up and climbing to the top, he presses his palms into the log and slowly crawls before attempting to move the apparatus. Caleb braces his body, lifts on the ropes, and painstakingly slow, raises the ladder towards him. As it nears the top, it folds flat, making it easier to manipulate. Caleb lowers the ladder, and when it reaches the other side of the log, he dips his legs over until both feet rest on the top step.
Cautiously, he stands on it and descends the last two steps backwards. The ladder wobbles and shifts slightly, nearly making him fall. The pain from the unexpected movement jolts Caleb, but he tries hiding it. Instantly, Sadie and Jose are at his side securing him and the stepstool. Standing on the ground, Caleb turns to smile at Sadie, but it fades quickly when he sees her concern and growing doubt. Jose, using his foot, kicks at the dirt to level the ground for the ladder’s placement.
“There…next time it won’t be wobbly,” he says, looking directly at Sadie.
It feels like they’re being tested, and the two men aren’t sure how they’re doing. Sadie scouts around and finds an easy place to conceal the ladder. She’s adamant regarding it being hidden after it’s used, and Caleb, winking at Jose, takes Sadie’s directions as a good sign—both quickly agree to it.
Sadie takes the lead, moving slowly to ensure Caleb doesn’t overdo it. She’s not going far and appreciates how both boys have handled everything. They remain silent while hiking and, knowing they’re waiting for her official approval, Sadie still doesn’t give it. Besides the concern of keeping the cave’s location safe, she worries Caleb’s movements will make his injuries worse and slow his recovery. She didn’t fail to notice the pain he endured to get out, but she’s impressed with how he’s handling it.
Eventually, the conversation turns to Jose’s hunting, and Sadie gets to hear all about his deer and mountain lion experience. She asks questions about both animals and Jose finds he isn’t able to answer them all. Her line of inquiry educates the kid, and he realizes how many additional details were missed and what else he should have observed. Getting to where she intended, Sadie sends Jose off to find fire-starting materials and gather wood. When he disappears, she turns all of her attention to Caleb, who’s leaning against a tree. She walks over as he straightens up.
“Alright…I know it hurts…bad…and probably more than ya thought it would,” Sadie starts.
Caleb doesn’t like the way she’s sounding.
“When we return, we’ll help you over, but you’ve moved too much.” She’s serious, and annoyingly, Caleb finds it charming. Sadie, keeping her focus, isn’t letting up. “I mean it…and you know it…you shouldn’t be moving this much…not yet. We both know you need more time.”
He knows she’s right, but being outside, and away from the cave, is giving him just the lift in spirit he needs. Caleb, without talking, keeps staring at Sadie. It’s unnerving, but she maintains her composure.
“I get it…you need to get out…I’d be going crazy if it was me.” Sadie says. “But…after today…all the movin’…and pain…almost fallin’…you need to wait at least another week or two before you attempt it again. And…make sure Jose’s there to help.”
Between the penetrating look of his eyes and the sly smile on Caleb�
�s face, Sadie’s tone softens.
“Just…be smart…and careful. Please,” she adds the nicety, almost as an afterthought.
Caleb still has the same look on his face, but nods in agreement, stepping towards her. Standing extremely close, he hesitantly lifts his arms and wraps them around Sadie. He’s wanted to do this for some time, and getting out today gives him the courage to act.
Pulling her closer, Caleb leans to whisper near her ear. “Thank you, Sadie. I’m sorry…for…everything. I should’ve been there for you.”
Caleb’s words and lingering presence stirs up memories from their past. The thoughts and feelings they produce vary and rapidly change for Sadie. She breaks from his embrace just as Jose returns, glad for the boy’s presence and the chance to change the topic. Caleb, on the other hand, hoped for a little more time, but feels, at least he’s finally apologized, and it feels good. He never thought it possible, but being with her again is all he thinks about.
Sadie distracts herself with Jose. They start a fire, and then together, clean the raccoon. She instructs him along the way, lets the boy do most of the work, and talks about caring for the pelt so it cures properly. The three of them eat their fill before putting out the fire’s remaining coals, and hiding the evidence of their presence. Full, and ready to head home, they set off at a slow pace. This time, Jose leads, trying to give Sadie and Caleb a little more privacy. He’s sensed a change between them and notices the way Caleb keeps watching Sadie.
Back at the cave, Caleb is absolutely exhausted, and his ribs ache. Sadie reiterates what she’s told him, making sure both men clearly understand. Caleb’s to recover from today, for at least a week, and then, Jose must be around to help until Caleb can easily use the ladder without pain. With her instructions accepted, they settle in for the night, and Sadie continues talking with Jose. She plans to accompany him back to Anna’s so she can see the gas tanker, check his work, and start scouting a route from there to Clara’s. Jose’s excited, finding out he’ll have company, and he can’t wait to show Sadie everything. Caleb’s reactions are exactly the opposite—he’s disappointed she’s leaving, and that once again, he’ll be left alone. Lying still, he wonders if she ever thinks about staying with him.