When Justin and Zaria finally returned to the camp, the group was visibly relieved yet equally alarmed. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the sand, and their absence for so long had stirred up concern.
“You’re back! What happened?” Linda exclaimed, rushing toward them. “You’ve been gone forever!”
Diana and Lana were not far behind, their faces a mixture of worry and relief. Behind them, the others stood with anxious expressions, clutching small baskets of fruit and meager catches from the day.
“We fell into a ravine,” Justin explained simply, his voice steady. “Zaria’s injured, but we’re okay.”
Linda gasped, stepping closer to Zaria. “You’re hurt?”
Zaria offered a weak smile, but before she could answer, Lana had already taken charge. “Let me see,” she said firmly, guid
