Short Stories

2. Quite isolated

Cora’s pickup rocked back and forth on the bumpy road to the place where they had decided to meet. Her truck was ready for camping, even if she had been promised a spot in the cabin with the others. It felt best to be prepared. She even had a com-radio in the car, just to be safe. She might need to call her colleges if those idiots managed to set fire to the woods or something. The right frequency was already set, which it had been for some time. As a ranger, you were never really off-duty.

The location for their meet up was a pick-nick-spot with a view of one of the beautiful lakes in the park. A few cars were already there and a family sat by one of the pick nick tables, eating lunch and enjoying the beautiful weather.
Cora drove pass them and parked next to Sam’s shabby old Jeep. Rust and dirt dominated most parts of the otherwise white car, equipped with tiers that would be a nightmare in the terrain if there was the slightest bit of rain. Luckily for him, there had been dry weather for some time.

A small orange car stood next to the Jeep that she recognized as Gavin’s car. The car was a bit more taken care of, but even that one would be a nightmare I rough terrain. Just another sign that they knew nothing about surviving in the wilderness.

Cora got out of her car and walked over to the group standing between the two cars. Sam, Gavin, Alden, Eden, Everly and Chandra were all the same age as her. Only Zander stood out in the group as the younger one, but considering him being quiet and drawn back, it wasn’t the only thing separating him from the others.

“Finally. We almost thought you wouldn’t show up”, Sam said with a wide smile.

“You said two a clock, and I’m three minutes early. If you wanted me to show up earlier, you should have said so.”

Chandra rolled her eyes and flicked her long blond hair over her shoulder. Cora suspected she had chronic PMS, but didn’t want to say anything.

“Well, now that we’re all here, we can head out”, Alden said with a big smile.

“Excuse me.”

Cora turned to face the source of the female voice behind her.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, but I happened to see the sticker on the back of your car and hoped that you could help us.”

Cora didn’t need to look to know the woman gestured at the sticker with “Ranger” written all over it. The mother of the family eating pick nick gave Cora a hopeful look, and Cora put on her best service-smile. “Absolutely. What can I help you with?”

The woman looked relived and smiled.
“Well, we would like to know if there’s any easy trails close by. Something easy for the kids.”

“No problem. Du you have any maps?”

The woman nodded and Cora followed her to the table where the rest of the family sat.

After recommending some family-friendly trails in the area, Cora walked back to the group.

“Finally.”

Cora ignored Chandra’s grumpy mutter.
“Ready to leave then?” she asked.

“Absolutely. I drive first and Cora can drive last to make sure we all keep up”, Sam said.

Cora nodded and walked over to her car.

“Can I go with Coraline?”

Cora stopped in her tracks when Zander spoke up.

Sam looked from Zander to Cora. “Sure. If you want to”, Sam said.

Zander walked over to Cora’s car and jumped in the passenger seat.
She couldn’t blame him. Her car was probably more comfortable than the others. Besides, she guessed Sam had placed his brother on the hard box behind the seats in his Jeep. Either that or he had to squeeze in with two others in the back seat in Gavin’s car.
Cora shrugged and jumped in on the driver’s seat. She had no problem letting Zander ride with her.