Page 8 of Captured on Film
Josheb opened the front of the stove and grabbed kindling.“Don’t get too attached. We’re not staying.”
A sobering reminder that this wasn’t their destination. Morelike the starting line.
Longstanding Rivalry
“Canned ravioli?” Caleb was surprised into a chuckle.“We’re notnine, you know.”
Josheb arched a brow. “That’s why we each get our own can.”
“I thought we weren’t packing in a bunch of stuff.”
“We’re not. But I’m not opposed to the occasional treat.”With a smirk, Josheb added, “Starting tomorrow, you’re at my mercy.”
Caleb and Josheb were a scant year apart. Close enough inage and looks to have been confused as twins for most of their lives. Backbefore Josheb entered his grizzly phase.
“Doesn’t all that hair get in the way?”
“Nope.” Amusement glinted in Josheb’s eyes. “Is thatfollicle envy I detect?”
“Nope.” Caleb accepted an open can of ravioli and a fork.
Digging into his own dinner, Josheb pointed between them. “Thinkof it as a lazy man’s attempt to distinguish himself. I got tired of beingcalled Caleb just because I’m taller than you.”
It was only a slight edge. Hardly worth mentioning.
“And once it got to a certain point, it seemed a shame to submitto the shearers.” Josheb chewed ruminatively before adding, “Girls like thehair.”
“And the patriarchal beard?”
“Not so much. ButIlike not shaving.” He cheekilyadded, “For the right girl, maybe I’ll buy a razor again.”
Caleb supposed they had that in common.
While Josheb had always been friendly with girls, even dateda few, he wasn’t the sort to settle down to any one thing. Always on the move.Always moving on.
For Caleb, it was a weird mix of awkwardness and lack ofopportunity. It was hard to meet girls when you never left your apartment. Ormade an effort to strike up conversations. Or make eye contact, for thatmatter.
Nessie was the only female in either of their lives. And ina way, they were rivals for her affection.
Caleb gave her ear an affectionate tug.
Josheb fed her a ravioli. From his fork.
Probably a point in his favor, as far as Nessie wasconcerned, but …eww.
Some Weather
Getting to sleep was as hard as Caleb’s allotted bed. Thebunk was a veritable slab. His sleeping bag’s zipper jingled faintly every timehe moved. Summer nights were chilly at this elevation. And Nessie had abandonedhim in favor of curling up with Josheb.
When he finally did drift off, Caleb was caught up in aconfusing dream. He was a star trapped in a stone. Then a bee in amber. Or washe a moth?
Theclickof the cabin door woke him, and hestruggled against his prison, only to realize it was just his sleeping bag. Joshebwas coming in, bringing a gust of damp air and Nessie, whose claws clicked onthe wood floor.
It was morning. Barely.
“How soon can you be ready to go?” Josheb asked softly.
Caleb wasn’t all that comfortable in this cabin, but he wassuddenly reluctant to leave its safety. A roof and a door and a stove had to besafer than a tent, especially when facing nature’s unknowns. Still, he said,“Fifteen minutes, more or less.”
