Everyone laughed.
Emma grinned.
"I was only going to suggest another bathhouse."
Rose tilted her head.
"Another?"
"The hot spring near the eastern cliffs."
Several of them nodded immediately.
The natural spring had become one of their favorite places over the years, but reaching it still required nearly an hour's walk through the forest.
"If we build a small cabin there," Emma continued, "we could stay overnight whenever we wanted."
"I like that idea," Hannah said.
"So do I," Natalie added. "Especially during the rainy season."
Jude smiled.
"Looks like I have another building project."
---
A comfortable silence settled over the group.
The fire popped softly.
Somewhere in the distance, an owl called through the forest.
Zoey rested her head on Grace's shoulder.
"Remember our first shelter?"
Grace laughed.
"Calling it a shelter is generous."
"It was four sticks and a leaf."
"It leaked."
"It collapsed twice."
