“What?” I asked shortly without turning around, intent on finishing the crude shelter I was constructing.
“I need to…you know…”
“Five paces that way,” I pointed towards an opening between two trees. “Don’t lose sight of the camp.”
I felt her hesitation before she tentatively began, “I didn’t think to bring…I don’t suppose you have any…”
“That’s what leaves are for.”
I heard her irate huff as she stomped off in the direction I indicated.
Although I wouldn’t have admitted it to her, I’d developed a grudging respect for her during our all night trek, never complaining or asking for a break, understanding the urgency of the situation, which was why I was wasting valuable time and energy building her a shelter.
Unlike me, she wasn’t used to sleeping in the rain and if the day ran true to form, it would be pouring by the afternoon. I also had no intention of allowing her close enough to me to cause me physical discomfort so sheltering her myself was out of the question.
She returned and I hid my amusement as I noticed her attempt to give me the cold shoulder.
Eventually her curiosity got the better of her and she stood behind me watching as I finished up the lean-to type watershed I was building.
“What are you making?”
“A shelter.”
“It’s not very big.”
“Doesn’t have to be.”
“We won’t have much room.”
“Only has to house one person.”
“It’s for me?”
“Don’t see anyone else around.”
“That’s very kind of you.”
“Yeah, kind is my middle name,” I replied sarcastically. “Grab some of that greenery over there and spread it out underneath the shelter. Then I suggest you get some shuteye. Tonight won’t be any easier than last night was.”
“What about you?”
“I’ll be dozing nearby.”
“No, I mean why would you build a shelter just for me?”
“Do you have to question everything?”
“Usually.”
“Have you ever slept in a deluge?”
“No…”
“I don’t think you want to start now, besides the fact that I can’t afford for you to get sick. We have a long way to go.”
“Aren’t you afraid you’ll get sick?”
“No.”
“But…”
“If you aren’t gonna sleep, we’ll just keep moving.”
“Fine…I’m going.”
“If you hear any noises, remain perfectly still,” I warned. “I’ll be close by and will deal with it.”
“What do you mean…what kind of noises?” she asked in alarm.
“Go to sleep,” I ordered.
“But if I…”
“Now!”
“Sir, yes sir!” she saluted mockingly and, crouching down slid under the crude shelter I’d built.
I had to admire her spunk even while she exasperated me.
Shimmying up a nearby tree, I made myself comfortable and settled in for the first sleep I’d had in over twenty-four hours, one ear as always pricked for any unusual sounds.