Fire

Anise helped to gather sticks and they piled them all together in circle. Lauren was concerned that the wood may not light because of the ice. She tried many times to ignite the fire and finally it worked.

"Is this a campfire?" said Anise.
"You could say that.
"So we are camping?"
"Yes we are." Lauren smiled at the girl.

They sat together and ate the cooked meat. Lauren filled her small metal canteen and they warmed the water by the fire before they drank it. For a moment they felt safe but Lauren knew every set of curious eyes in the woods or on the mountains could see the fire. She kept her pistol close and the girl closer.