“It takes years to build the muscles,” explained Beverly. “Why don’t you let me have a go for a while?” She took the offered axe and began cutting with strong, efficient strokes, soon to be rewarded with the tree splitting as its upper end fell to the forest floor. “There, you see? Now we have to chop it up for firewood.”
They returned to the camp sometime later, carrying bundles of wood. Sam dropped hers by the fire and then sat down, tired from her exertions. Beverly, likewise, dropped hers, but noticed Randall across the clearing and made her way towards him.
“What are you up to this day?” she asked.
“What’s that, Evelyn?”
“I was wondering what you’re up to today. I thought we might make some better shelters.”
“Oh yes, you’d mentioned that. Is it really worth the work?”
“Do you wa
