Tuesday: A Hasty Exit
The sparks began to catch on the dry leaves scattered around the stump. Smoke curled up into the air, and the acrid smell of burning wood filled their noses.
“Grab everything we can carry!” Ivy Mae shouted, rushing back into the Airbnb.
Jas, still weak but determined, started packing supplies: the engraved box, the survival notebook, food from the pantry, and a few blankets. Roman hauled out the last of their gear, while Miracle barked nonstop, pacing near the door.
Sleepy Z perched on Jas’s shoulder, as if sensing the urgency. Ivy Mae slung her pack on her back and looked toward the stump, where small flames were beginning to lick at the edges of the circuitry.
“We can’t put it out,” Roman said grimly, watching the fire grow. “We need to go. Now.”
They hurried down the dirt path, Miracle leading the way. Behind them, the flames began to consume the stump, sending plumes of smoke spiraling into the sky.