Trouvaille (#featured)

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Faye didn't know exactly how long it had been since she regained her senses from crying on Nathan's shoulder and walking around to find a way back. All she knew was she had been trailing him in silence under the rain for a very long time. She was thankful that the rain didn't get into her eyes too much. The canopies were finally doing their job of protecting her from the drops, but they did no good to shield her from the chill she was feeling creeping through her bones. She was thankful she had Minty to hold and get heat from but it wasn't enough. Her flimsy shirt was torn where it wasn't wet and her jeans felt heavier and tighter, tiring her out quickly.

Nathan's face was a mystery to her but she was sure he was cold too. He was shivering and constantly putting his hands in front of his face and that only meant he was doing everything he could to keep himself warm.

From the corner of her eye, she saw a beaten path that wound into the canopies off to her right, but they passed it. She didn't know if he saw it or not, but if it was a chance at meeting other people who could provide them something, even prison, she would take it.

"Nathan..." She realized that her voice was weak and shaky and she had to call him twice before he turned to her. He looked a little pale, but he set his face with a strong front. "There's a path over there. I don't think we can really go back with this rain."

"The natives might not be friendly. It's dangerous. We have to keep going."

"If we don't get out of this, we'll die from hypothermia."

He shook his head stubbornly. "If that's your only concern, then we can either find a place for shelter or I can make one. But I can't make a fire, so..." he paused to blow into his hands and keep himself from shivering, "-we'll just have to share body heat."

She blushed for a second and thought of considering it, but made her decision quickly as if she didn't really think about it. "I'll take my chances with the natives."

"Are you crazy?"

"No. I'm cold, wet, hungry and desperate. If the natives are cannibals who have other people for lunch, then when the rains are over, they'll be able to see us and eat us anyway. Might as well get it over with."

"You're not taking this seriously, are you?"

"There aren't any documented cannibals in Hawaii, Nathan." She turned around and headed for the path she saw, not waiting to see if he followed. And she didn't need to. His footfalls and his mutterings served as a sign she made better sense than he did and that he was reluctant to admit it.

Soon, the path led to a clearing where there were clusters of crude wooden houses shielded by gigantic trees that formed a natural wall around the village, shielding the flimsy houses from the harsh winds of the stormy months. From one of the houses nearest the path, a head came out and quickly ducked in.

"Hello? Excuse me?" Faye called out, her steps turning more cautious and deliberate.

"Have you ever thought that they might not understand English?"