CHAPTER 5

AN UNEXPECTED GUEST

Nadia and Marlon both dug through their packs. They each had a tent, but Marlon’s was larger.

“Let’s just pitch yours,” Nadia said. “It’s big enough for both of us. There’s no need to put mine up too.”

Marlon didn’t know enough to argue, so he just nodded in agreement. Nadia prepared the poles as Marlon unrolled the tent. He struggled to insert the metal tubes into the tent and lock them in place, but with Nadia’s help, he started to get the hang of it.

Wow, she really knows her stuff, Marlon thought as he watched Nadia work quickly and efficiently. I’m lucky she’s here. I’d have no clue what to do on my own.

After thirty minutes, the tent was ready. Just in time too—the rain had turned into a torrential downpour. The kids crouched down and hurried inside the temporary shelter.

Nadia took her heat lamp from her backpack. She turned it on and placed it in the center of the tent.

“This will give us light and keep us warm,” she said.

“There are some small hooks in the corner. Let’s put our ponchos there,” Marlon suggested.

“Good idea. We’ll put our backpacks over there so they can dry off too,” said Nadia. “Your parents got you a great tent.”

“Yeah, I guess they did,” Marlon said, glancing around. It was a blue tent, big enough for at least three people. The curved roof was almost tall enough for Marlon and Nadia to stand up in the middle. “Guess that’s why my backpack was so heavy.”

Nadia unrolled their sleeping bags. Marlon dug through his backpack and pulled out some trail mix filled with almonds, cashews, cranberries, and pumpkin seeds.

After taking a handful, he handed the bag to Nadia. It was the least he could do after Nadia had helped them get out of the rain.

The kids snacked silently for awhile. Finally Marlon spoke up.

“I’m sorry for the way I acted on the trail,” he said. “I didn’t mean to get us into this mess. Or act like such a jerk. I just didn’t want to go on this trip. It’s my fault we’re lost.”

“We’ll find a way back,” Nadia said as she munched on some trail mix. With her other hand, she pulled a baggie out from her back pocket. “Here, when you’re done with your snacks, put them in this. It’s called a bear bag. It seals the smell of food, so wild animals won’t stop by.”

“Oh. Thanks.” Marlon placed the bag by his trail mix.

“This storm is probably going to last through the night. We should rest here until morning,” said Nadia. “Then we’ll look at our maps and try to figure out a way to get back.”

Suddenly there was a noise outside the tent—a low scratching followed by a growl. Whatever it was sounded different from the rain or thunder.

“We should zip up the tent opening,” said Nadia, glancing in that direction. Even she looked a little nervous.

“Yeah, you should do that,” Marlon agreed.

“Me?” Nadia said. “It’s your tent!”

“I don’t want whatever’s out there to get me!” Marlon said.

“Me neither!” Nadia yelled. Taking a deep breath, she exhaled. “OK. Let’s just close it together.”

Marlon and Nadia looked at each other. Together they slowly approached the tent opening. As they were about to reach for the zipper, lightning flashed. Whatever was outside burst into the tent and jumped on Nadia!

“Get it off of me!” Nadia yelled.

Marlon started laughing when he realized what they’d been so afraid of: a Jack Russell terrier, licking Nadia’s face.

“It’s just a dog,” Marlon said. He grabbed the dog’s harness and pulled it off Nadia. “He’s probably hungry and lost, just like us.”

Marlon pulled the soaking-wet dog over by the heat lamp to help him get dry. Nadia got a wipe from her backpack and wiped the dog slobber off her face.

“He’s got tags,” she said. “What’s his name?”

Marlon checked the dog’s collar. “Colt. Welcome to the squad, Colt,” he said. He rubbed the dog’s head. Colt wagged his tail.

Outside, loud cracks of thunder and lightning continued to crash all around.

After one particularly loud boom, an animal howled. It didn’t sound far away.

“What do you think that howling noise was?” Nadia asked.

Marlon looked worried. The tent suddenly seemed less safe and secure.

“I don’t know,” he said. “And I don’t want to find out.”