I wondered what could be taking so long. It was exhausting keeping my mental alarm up, worried about their safety. Bill took Gus up on his offer of a shower and Emilie set some fresh clothes out for him. It felt odd having strangers in the cabin, especially since we knew danger lurked nearby and we weren’t entirely sure these men were not responsible. My gut told me they were ok, and in need of our help in some way. Boggs had come back inside first, leaving Susan and the new man alone. I asked him if he thought that was smart, leaving her alone with him, somehow feeling protective of Susan. He assured me she was a big girl and just fine. Finally I heard Susan and Nathan join us back inside the cabin. I began working on a meager but hot meal in the kitchen to welcome the two strangers. I set water to boil for pasta that we had salvaged from a bed and breakfast that was closed for the season. I decided on macaroni. I also set a pot of water for tea. I could hear Susan in the background showing Nathan the basics of the cabin.
