Thunder rumbled again and again over the hills.
Jackson crouched by the creek, his hands quick and practiced as he caught a few wriggling fish. When he finally looked into the bamboo basket, it was full enough for dinner.
He straightened, rain pelting his face. Then—
a blinding flash split the sky.
A deafening crack followed, and not far from him, a massive tree exploded in sparks, smoke rising from its trunk as it toppled to the ground.
Jackson froze for a moment, heart pounding. Then an idea hit him.
Lightning. Electricity.
If he could somehow harness it—if he could get a small generator working—he might be able to charge one of their dead phones. Maybe even send a signal for rescue.
His pulse quickened. He slung the basket over his shoulder and ran toward the fallen tree, rain s
