Pāhonoa te oro

Until the camp disappeared. Until it was just him— And the bush again. Then he slowed. Breathing hard. Still holding the supplies. “I’ve got it…” he muttered. Not everything. But enough. It had to be. He turned back toward the cave. Toward Sarah. And then— Movement. Jessie froze. Not a soldier. Different. Someone stood between the trees. Still. Watching him. They looked older. Stronger. Like they had been out here a long time. Clothes worn but purposeful.