Pāhonoa te oro

Behind him, Sarah followed close, watching everything. Billy and Sam argued quietly like always. It felt normal. Almost too normal. “This place is huge,” Billy said. “Yeah,” Sam replied. “That’s the point.” Billy rolled his eyes but smiled. Sarah adjusted her bag. “Just stay close.” Jessie glanced back. “We’re fine. It’s just bush.” But even as he said it, the deeper trees felt… heavy. They walked for a long time until the path disappeared behind them.