Staying here could lead to the cabin's collapse, meaning days of hard work would be wasted. The cellar might even fill with water, making it impossible to repair anytime soon.
But if he went, he would risk getting caught in a rainstorm at any moment.
The return trip from the cabin took twenty minutes if he hurried, or about half an hour at a normal pace.
If he had to rush back in the rain, the journey would take even longer. A wet forest was extremely dangerous, especially since the terrain on the way back was mostly downhill.
He didn't dare risk the consequences of being soaked for over half an hour.
In other words, if he did get caught in the storm, his only option would be to take shelter in the cabin.
There was no food stored over there, no fire starter, and no moss for insulation.
And if he couldn't finish the repairs before the rain started, sleep would be impossible.
Both options were so difficult, leaving him momentarily unable to decide.
