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[code]The Campsite - Campfire.[/code][hr]

Thanks to the combined efforts of Martin and Zoey the punch that “the librarian” had braced herself for never came. Regardless, she felt like the wind had been knocked out of her. Her eyes were now boring a hole in to the ground, one where she could crawl inside of and hideaway for the rest of the night. She could hear the sound of her heart thundering in her ears; even without the danger, the anxiety was still there. She felt a sharp pain in her fingers. Absentmindedly, she had been clawing at the log seat; her nails were dark and dirtied with splinters and blood. She shifted in her seat and tucked her hand underneath her thigh, her “I love NY” bracelet glaring up at her. She bit her lip. Should’ve gone there. What kind of idiot runs away to Montana of all places? 

Tuyen’s voice pulled her out of her mind. She actually seemed concerned, which should’ve made Rita feel better. It didn’t. The tiny voice that always whispers suspicion in Rita’s ear was at it, assigning ulterior motives to mundane actions yet again. She doesn’t really care about you, she’s just trying to make herself look like a good person, it said. Typical. Her other hand was now clawing at the log. Her eyes were still burning in to the ground. The blood was still in her ears; there was a tightness in her throat. She felt sick. Martin’s voice yanked at her again, and she realized that politeness demands that she said something.

“I’m fine,” she said, the lie barely eeking out. She wasn’t, but that was what they wanted to hear, so that was what she had to say. Nobody ever wanted to hear about actual problems. Better to just pretend it’s all okay like a loveless marriage, if only for the sake of the children. Still, sometimes the children can tell when mommy and daddy are on the rocks. Gotta sell the lie. Rita paused, trying to let calm wash over her. A great lie was one that even the liar had to believe was true. She breathed. Forced a smile. Looked up. Met eyes with Tuyen. 

"I liked your story," said Rita. After a pause, she added, “So is there anything else to do in this town than drink in the woods and try to ignore the smell of manure?”