Copyright 2012 by Marian Lanouette
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 1480171298
ISBN-13: 9781480171299
Chapter Five
By the time the sun came up, they had walked four miles. Rob seemed pleased when they found another cave, Lauren not so much. It was smaller, about the size of a master bedroom. At least he could stand up straight in it. The entrance was small, only allowing one person to pass at a time. It widened the further in you went. Even though this could be used to their benefit, he knew it would make Lauren antsy. She’d need to keep her claustrophobia at bay.
As they settled in, Lauren unpacked a can of SPAM and handed it to Rob to open.
“Who would have thought that my mouth would water for a slice of SPAM,” Lauren remarked.
“Anything at this moment would taste great. I’m starved.”
It wasn’t their usual fare, but at least it took their hunger pains away. Lauren searched her bag and brought out a pre-packaged iced coffee and twisted the cap off. After taking a sip she handed it to Rob.
“I have to say, this is the best breakfast I’ve had in a long time.” Rob smiled at her.
“Funny, isn’t it? Two days ago, I would never have eaten SPAM, no less enjoyed it. Yet, here we are, eating a romantic candle-lit breakfast.” Lauren rested elbows on her knees and placed her chin in her hands as she stared at Rob.
They had lit the candle because even in daylight the cave was dark. Deciding it was best to deal with the man on their turf, they’d wait him out. Let him make the first move. All Rob wanted was a quiet day. His nerves on edge from the events of yesterday and last night. Hopefully, the cave dweller, as he had come to refer to him, stayed in his area today and didn’t cause them any trouble. He stared at Lauren unable to read her thoughts, her facial expression a blank. Was he making the right decision?
“It did hit the spot. What are you thinking?”
“Why?”
“I don’t know. You seem to be somewhere else.”
“I’m disconnected.”
“Disconnected…”
He understood. Their current reality cast their previous lives in a surreal light. Lauren’s intuition sometimes disconnected her from the present, but he’d come to respect it throughout their marriage. It opened her up to things he could only imagine. Those very premonitions he believed had saved their lives a few times. He smiled at the memory of her causing a scene on the flight to Florida. She wanted off the plane. It was good enough for him. After an argument with the crew they let them off. Later, they learned the flight was cancelled due to engine problems.
“Anything we should be worried about?” He studied her.
“I don’t know…it’s not a joyful disconnect. I’m antsy and queasy.”
“Oh, boy.”
“We have no control over it, so don’t worry. I missed making love to you last night.” She changed the subject.
