I fell asleep almost instantly, completely drained from the intense workout we had just shared.
When I woke up around 6:30 a.m., the cave was quiet, the early light filtering faintly through the
entrance. I quickly gathered my things and dressed, ready to move on.
Just as I was about to look for Eva to let her know I was leaving, she appeared from the
shadows near the corner of the cave. Her eyes were red and bleary, as though she had been
awake all night.
Without a word, she walked straight to me and wrapped her arms tightly around my torso.
“Thank you, Mr. Fraser… for helping our tribe,” she said softly as she pulled away. Then, with a
small, teasing smile, she added, “Or should I also call you Daddy?”
I couldn’t help but chuckle at her boldness.
“You and your people risked you
