Jack asked, removing a blackened marshmallow from the end of a pointed stick. “No, I’ll get it – I’m not supposed to sit for too long without getting up anyway. They say it can cause blood clots.” Mandy rose, placing a hand on Jack’s shoulder for balance. “I’ll walk with you.” Violet ignored her latest wave of nerves as she stood and left the fireside group behind, following Mandy over a short stretch of wooded terrain to where the nearest road ran. It was narrow and made of dirt – seldom traveled. Jack’s truck was parked at its edge. “Hey Mandy…” “Yeah?” Mandy asked as she reached for the door, pulling it open and retrieving a bright blue cardigan that lay across the seat. “There’s something I want to tell you.” “What is it?” Mandy arched a blonde brow as she shrugged into the sweater, pulling it tight over her shoulders and giving up after a few moments of trying to make it fasten over her round belly. “It’s about my first day in the Smokies.”
