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“I don’t think I’m tired anymore. Are we really staying in a tree house?”
“I prefer eco-house.”
“And this is where you lived?”
“Yes. For five years. It looks better in the daylight. There’s a full bathroom in another section and a shower down below, but it’s useless at night with all the bugs and snakes. I prefer the waterfall and filled up a bowl of water over there, and if you—”
“Hunter, stop. I’m fine. I’m a little thirsty and tired, but I’m fine. You can show me around in the morning.”
I grabbed the bag I’d stuffed with soft drinks at the airport and popped open a can of Coke.
“Enjoy. We won’t get these down in the village. Water is pretty much all you get here to hydrate.”
She took a sip. “And how long are we staying here? How long will it take to catch Chad?”
“Already getting bored? Come—the bed’s on the second floor.”
“There’s a second floor?”
I laughed. “Yes, with a better view. It doesn’t look like much at night, but I promise, it’s beautiful in the day.” I showed her to the ladder. She set the can of Coke aside and climbed up. I carried the lantern behind her and hung it on a branch hook, where it cast a soft glow over the bed. The mattress end hugged the back wall and stretched the full width of the space. White netting flowed around its perimeter. Grace paced around the bedroom and stopped at the window. Moonlight peeked through the clouds and lit up the forest’s canopy. She swiveled on her heel, eyes wide. The lantern’s flicker brightened the excitement filling her orbs. I expected her to run up to me, but she stood in her spot, shivering.
“Are you cold?”
“No, I just… it feels like we’re in the middle of nowhere.”
We were.
“I’ll stay close by. You’re safe here.”
She eyed the bed.
“Are we both sleeping here?” Her mouth twitched, containing a smile.
“No. I’ll be up there.” I pointed to the net above head, and she looked up.
“I feel bad taking your bed.”
“Don’t worry, it’s sturdy, so I won’t fall on top of you. Besides, you never felt bad about taking my bed before. Enjoy the night, and I’ll see you in the morning.”
I turned to the ladder and climbed the first three steps, stopping at the sound of her voice.
“Hunter?”
“Yes?” I looked back over my shoulder.
“Thank you. For everything.”
“Of course.” I nodded. “Zip up the net behind you, or the mosquitos will eat you alive.”
“Will do. Good night.”
“Night.”
I scaled the ladder and crawled out onto the netting. The ropes gave a bounce when I lay down. Clouds cleared beyond the sky window, and the moon came out around midnight. Grace slept in the light below me. She turned on her side and stretched her long legs across the sheets. Her lips parted, and a hitch of a smile curled her lip.
My mustache twitched. I must have fallen asleep staring at her, because when I woke up and she wasn’t there, I shot up. My big toe caught in the net, nearly ripping off as I scrambled.
“Grace?” I called out.
