Page 93 of Adrift

“Hear what?”

She points down the path near the pool where Zane has been getting our water.

“No. I don’t hear anything.” I pull the knife out of the sheath, pushing Haley behind me. With the way my head feels, I can’t carry Haley out of the jungle like Zane did. But I’m not going to let her be gored by a boar either.

Chapter 37

Tack

Haley

Idrop Dante’s hand. “It’s not a boar. It’s smaller. Over there.” I move through the ferns off of the path. I’m careful how I place my feet. There are plenty of sharp rocks and coral in the undergrowth. Little shells are all around.

“I don’t hear anything.”

“Shh, Dante,” I whisper. I stand still again and listen.

“What was it?” he whispers back. Well, as low as Dante’s volume gets.

“I don’t know. It sounds like something small.”

He flourishes his hand at the undergrowth, and I take it as a sign to keep looking. I’m not using my crutch really anymore, but I have it with me. I push the ferns and knee-high plants out of the way, clearing a path. But whatever was there is gone. I turn around and shrug. Then it occurs to me. “Do you think it could have been a snake?”

“There are no snakes on the island,” Dante says with authority.

“How do you know? There was a boar, and Calvin said he saw some goats when he was looking around the island yesterday.”

“Because I fucking hate snakes.”

“You’re like Indiana Jones, then.”

“I suppose I am. Are you ready to go find the Temple of Doom?”

“Not Doom. Hope.” I nod.

“Somehow I don’t think the Temple of Hope would have been as much of a smash hit in the box office.”

I laugh. “Definitely.”

“There are some fronds over there we can reach.” Dante points to the edge of the stream.

“Perfect.”

I’m used to doing a lot of work. Dragging beach chairs up and down castle stairs for extravagant excursion lunches. Cases of wine from the lower decks to the sundeck. Laundry! Don’t get me started on how much laundry weighs. So much laundry. I’ve never had to go to the gym. Palm fronds, you would think they’re light, but they’re unwieldy. My arms are stacked as high as Dante would allow me. I could have taken more, but I’m glad I didn’t, because I’m dropping them as we leave the jungle for the beach. One or two here and there.

“Who knew palm fronds were the new breadcrumbs?” Zane laughs. He has the ones I’ve dropped in his hands.

“Shoot. Thanks for getting those.” I smile.

“No problem. I just have to ask, what were the two of you doing in the jungle?” He arches an eyebrow at me.

“Getting palm fronds for Sassy here.” Dante waves his load at me. “Where do you want them?”

“Next to the raft.” I drop mine beside the fire ring.

“Do you need more, Little Bird?”

“I’m good. This should be enough. Maybe? I’ve never made a palm frond mat before. How hard can it be?”

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