He considered. “Fair enough," he said. "Then I will decide. And I think it’s best if I try to get up to the road, at least. I’ll set some flares.” He held them up. “And I’ll see if that brown pickup is anywhere nearby—and if it is, I’ll see if there’s anything I can do for the driver.”

She knew he was right in what he planned to do, even though she longed to beg him not to do it. “You won’t go far?” she said, not understanding where this sudden care for him was coming ...