The three of them quietly left the forest, following the marked path back to their leaf shelter. As soon as they arrived, the atmosphere became livelier: the smell of roasted tubers, wild greens, coconut, and woodsmoke drifted around the newly finished hut. Lucy, Emily, and Mary were gathered around the fire, faces weary but brightening with anticipation when they saw Ethan’s group return safely.
Before he could even sit down, Ethan pulled out the vines and wild grass he’d collected, spreading them across the ground in front of the hut. Calmly, he checked each piece, planning to braid a few more traps for tomorrow. Lucas flopped down next to the fire, his stomach growling, frowning as he muttered,
“Ethan, why the rush? We can eat first and do it later. I’m starving right now…”
Ethan sim
