11
Ross stepped behind the curtain of water and paused. The glow of a small fire lit the back of the cave. Shadows from the flames danced against the walls. He had been right – the cave was actually the remains of a lava tube.
“Something smells good,” he said.
Gem grunted in response. He walked over and sat down on a log that apparently had been dragged into the tube at some point. Markings on the walls captured his attention. He started in surprise when Gem suddenly blocked his view.
“Here,” she quietly said.
He took the bountiful offering, and focused on her face. She was avoiding his gaze.
“Thank you. Hey – are you okay?” he asked in a low voice, wrapping one hand around her wrist.
She briefly lifted her eyes and looked at him, her expression troubled, before she nodded, pulled a
