John

The doctors ordered a talk screen and a psych consult.

After getting out of the hospital, the uncle enlisted his brother, my friend's dad, to go with him to get his gear.

Supposedly when they went back, everything was just as it had been left.

With one exception, that the fire pit was still smoking.

The last remains of heat slowly draining out.

A fire that should have gone out days sooner.

As they packed up, it looked like nothing had been touched or taken.

In fact, something had been left behind.

A small riggity teddy bear lay in the dirt just outside the fire pit stones.

The old rule is still told about that clearing, though the campground has changed names since then.

Those who repeat it don't claim to understand why the fire must be left alone.

They only say that the last log doesn't belong to you.

It belongs to whatever waits for the flames to grow high enough to come and warm itself.

Over here.

Sorry, I'm dragging.

It's been a long month and I haven't been sleeping very well.

Really?

Yeah.

Yeah, I just need a good night's sleep and I'll be right as rain.

That looks like the ride shares.