“Because it’s fun!” Tony is gleeful. “That wasn’t rice, it was freeze-dried maggots!”

Even Mia laughs at that. Because it’s true, maggots do look a bit like rice. Anyhow, all the bad jokes relieve the tension, but there’s something in Deke’s eyes that makes me worry it isn’t over. No way is he going to back down, or let anyone boss him around.

He’s still trouble, I’m sure of it.

That’s how we spend the first night after the flood, five of us jammed together under the tarp, trying to stay dry. We take turns using the space blanket because our little fire has gone out and none of us want to risk searching for dry kindling in the dark. Not with the ravine edge looming. The blanket helps a little, but isn’t really necessary. It’s not actually cold, it’s just damp and miserable.

The choice is to sleep lying on the wet ground or sitting up. I choose sitting up, with my back against the tree the tarp is tied to. I keep nodding off, but not deep enough to be satisfying, restful sleep. It doesn’t help that Tony is snoring like an outboard motor.

My brain is jagged with stuff to worry about. Things back home, mostly, which is weird because here we are, lost in the wilderness without enough to eat and no idea how to get back to civilization. But I can’t help worrying about my dad, who has a mental illness. Bipolar disorder. Sometimes he gets these wild thoughts, like he has an idea that’s going to change the world and he doesn’t sleep for days. Then he crashes and just lies in bed and feels sad and depressed. Mostly his medication helps keep him on the level, but not always.

I hope me being missing doesn’t freak him out or trigger an episode. Which makes it all the more important for us to find a way out of this situation, so I can let my family know I’m okay.

Deke may have a plan to make himself boss, but I’ve got a plan, too. Not to be the leader—I couldn’t care less about that. A plan to stay alive. A plan to rescue ourselves.

Day Three

10. Heigh-Ho for Elmer Fudd

As soon as Mia wakes up, I explain what I have in mind. Her eyes widen. “Great idea, Daniel! We’ll discuss it after breakfast and make a decision.”