I chose an alternate route back to my cave—my home— that was longer, but provided more cover. It also turned out to be thornier than I remembered. After drawing blood for the third time, I had ample reason to regret my unnecessary caution. A twig snapped nearby, freezing me in place. Perhaps an animal, or […]

An odd smell was in the air. It was more than earthy mildew or the plants around me;  those scents were familiar. This was something foreign.  I sniffed my armpits in case it was coming from me. It wasn’t, although I did need a bath. “Mother will make me wash before I even finish unpacking,”