Page 71 of Beautifully Wild

“There are some things I just know,” I whisper.

He stands and collects food from near the fire and brings it back to me—unusual bread, potatoes, and fish on a palm fronds. It’s placed in front of me on the ground, and with each piece, I chew slowly despite the hunger gnawing at my stomach. After some time, I notice Samuel not eating.

“You’re not well?”

“I’m only drinking the tea.”

“Why? I mean you told me it’s okay to eat.”

He chuckles low. “It is. In fact, the fish is my favorite meal. I’m… detoxing.”

I frown at him. “For what?”

His smile fades. “I need to tell you something.”

Hearing his tone, I stop filling my mouth with food. “What?” Like seriously. What the hell now?

“In a week, I’m leaving to go up the tepui on an exploration. It will be one of my final journeys and—”

“Am I coming with you?” I whisper, already knowing the answer.

He shakes his head. “Kaikare will look out for you. I should only be gone a week, maybe two.”

I choke on the last piece of food sitting in my mouth. “I’m only here for four weeks.”

“I know. It can’t be avoided. If I find the plant, then my contract may end earlier, and that would benefit us both.”

I turn away from him with tears stinging my eyes. He knew this before he asked me to stay. I press my fingertips against my forehead with the beginnings of a headache.

Being here alone will change everything.

“I feel nauseous.” I close my eyes as betrayal settles into my chest. Again.

He takes my hand and squeezes it. “I’ll walk you back to my hut, and we can talk some more.”

“Väi Uarati Kún-imá,” the shaman says to Samuel.Sun man with long leg.

“He wants to speak with me. I’ll meet you back there.”

“Take your time,” I snap.

Right now, I want to be alone.

35

Samuel

Samuelassumestheraucousclicking of insects mere yards from his hut will hinder Eden’s sleep. Stepping inside, he sees her silhouette in the hammock, the mosquito net twinkling under the moonlight like morning dew on the leaves.

She had walked on ahead when the shaman had asked to speak to him.

“Are you awake?” he whispers.

“Of course. It’s not exactly peaceful.”

Her banter is better than silence. “Do you need me to walk with you while you—”

“I was busting. So, I went alone.”

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