FOUR
ALL OF SAIG’S FEELINGS of inadequacy, worries about fitting in, desires for the approval of the people around her—these things fell away as she moved through the forest. She scanned the area for tracks, for any traces of human life. She listened for the sounds of animals, running water, the steps of her fellow hunters. She felt the leaves and sticks beneath her boots, aware of the thrumming of life in this place, hidden, waiting for her to spot it.
A thrill of excitement pulsated within her. She moved, keeping low to hold her balance against any surprises the terrain might hold for her, hidden beneath ferns and other foliage.
The high-pitched scream of some animal, maybe a fox, pierced her ears. Thorns penetrated her nice woolen pants as she walked, leaving her with several sting
