When Caden and I arrived Mallory couldn’t stand another glance at Earlene. And now all she wants is to talk to her. I wonder what happened in their conversation earlier.

Caden and I continue to build the shack. Using large branches and logs with some stones. We were able to make a shack that's usable. But not for long-term use. I hope we’re not staying here for long.

I glance at Mallory. We haven't really talked since we… kissed. Maybe I should talk to her. But what would I say? I have no idea. Maybe I shouldn't talk to her. We finish the shack and Earlene comes over.

“Ooo! You two did so well! I'm very impressed!” Earlene smiles and Caden and I do too. Earlene’s smile is infectious.

Earlene goes into the shack and I turn around to see Mallory standing right next to me. As soon as I notice her, she quickly slips her hand into mine. I slightly blush.

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“Earlene really likes the shack. You guys did a great job,” Mallory says.

“Thanks,” I say while scratching the back of my head.

My stomach growls.

“Oh shoot, I forgot to get food,” I say. We were so busy with the shack that food passed my mind. I let go of Mallory’s hand. I walk over to the side of the shack and grab a dagger. I see Mallory standing right beside me when I get up.

“Can I come?” she asks, “please?”

“Yeah, of course,” I hand her a knife.

…

Mallory is excellent at finding animals. She is quiet as a mouse and animals never hear her when she moves. But when I even move an inch I sound like a volcano to the animals and they run away in fear. I'm much better at traps.

Mallory finds a doe in the distance. Perfect. As long as I don't mess it up like every other time we will have a great meal. I give her the large dagger.

“How about you kill this one,” I murmur. She chuckles and winks at me.

I stay far away from the doe but Mallory gracefully hops from tree to bush to boulder. She is so swift I could never do that. She hides behind a boulder and throws her dagger at the doe in the stomach. Its eyes grow wide. It's about to bolt off but before it can Mallory throws her knife at its back leg. The doe limps along but we catch up to it before it goes far. We both stand in front of the dead deer.

“That was incredible Mallory,” I turn to her and kiss her on the cheek.

“Thanks,” she mutters.

We both crouch down and grab the dagger and knife out of the deer. I grab the deer and blood pours out onto my arms. Not my favorite part of hunting. But it always happens. Mallory almost skips back to camp. She's proud of her accomplishment and she should be.