Swiftcurrent Creek Keep your heart 'cause I already got one

Mae had expected to remain alone for weeks, at least; a grim possibility that she was pleasantly surprised to find would not come to pass. She wasn't alone — at least for now. Whatever had made her family disappear could still return, she reasoned, and that thought kept her on high alert.

The midday sun was warm on her face while she marked the borders. Mae trudged on, exhaustion slowing her gait only a little. Nothing would have stopped her had her ears not caught the distant sound of a twig breaking underfoot. She stilled, ears standing tall, and waited for some other sign to give away her company.