The distinct woodiness of the smoke emanating from the blazing campfire filled the air, wrapping me in a blanket of unexpected comfort as I settled my log-seat into the dust. Just forty-eight hours earlier, the thought of calling this arid, seemingly desolate landscape home would have been unfathomable. Yet here I was, finding a sense of belonging in a place where, beneath its harsh exterior, lay a force so compelling and mysterious it defied easy explanation.

"Lois!" My voice was a sharp whisper, a mix of admonishment and affection, as I tugged firmly on her collar, urging the golden retriever to sit beside me. Lois, with her boundless energy and loyalty, had taken to following Paul around all day as if he were the sun itself. While Paul's patience with her was something I was deeply grateful for, I knew Lois well enough to recognise the signs of her potential for overexuberance. Years of companionship had taught me the fine line between her joyful enthusiasm and the moment it could tip into intolerance.

"Butter chicken for you?" Luke's voice broke through the evening air, a welcome sound amidst the crackle of the campfire. He extended a plastic container towards Paul, filled to the brim with the rich, aromatic Indian dish. My mouth watered at the sight, a visceral reminder of meals shared in far-flung places, of a time in Borneo where the exotic had been commonplace. Here, amidst the dust and challenge of making this place home, food had taken on a new significance—a luxury rather than a given.

"Yeah, thanks," Paul's voice carried a note of genuine gratitude as he took the container from Luke.

Luke then turned to Karen, who sat somewhat awkwardly on her log-seat next to Paul. "Chicken tikka?" he offered, the casualness of his tone belying the careful consideration behind the choice.

"How did you know?" Karen's face lit up with a smile as she accepted the container, her delight unmistakable. She quickly ran a finger down the side, catching a dribble of sauce before it could escape.

"Lucky guess," Luke replied, his grin wide and infectious.

"Oh my God, Lois," I muttered in hushed exasperation as Lois, ever the bundle of boundless energy, slipped from my grasp. Her bum wiggled with excitement, her tail a frantic pendulum, as she lovingly nudged her head against Paul’s thigh, her affection for him obvious.

"Anything is fine," Chris chimed in, his attention momentarily diverted as he accepted a container from Luke, a grateful nod accompanying the gesture.

"Lois, sit!" My voice, firm yet filled with affection, aimed to corral her enthusiasm as I reached over to regain control, my hand clasping her collar and pulling her back towards me with a gentle firmness.

"Look, Lois, even Duke has settled," Jamie joined in, attempting to coax Lois into emulating Duke’s calm demeanour. Duke himself lay serenely between him and Joel, a picture of tranquility with his head resting on his paws, a stark contrast to Lois's vibrant energy.

"And butter chicken for you," Luke directed towards Jamie, his attention on distributing the meals rather than the canine commotion, handing over a container with a practiced ease.

"Thanks," Jamie responded.

I leaned over to Lois, pressing a kiss atop her furry head and letting my hand glide along her side in a gesture of praise for her fleeting attempts at calmness.

"Hey, what about Joel?" Jamie's voice cut through the evening calm, an edge of concern sharpening his words as Luke, carrying an array of fragrant Indian dishes, moved past Joel to offer me a choice. In that moment, Lois, perked back up, her attention captured by the tantalising scent wafting through the air. Her nose twitched with interest, a testament to the allure of the spices mingling in the containers Luke held.

"I'm sorry," Luke's voice carried a mix of apology and surprise as he retreated a few steps, the revelation catching him off guard. "I didn't realise he could eat." His admission was sincere yet tinged with uncertainty.

My brow arched, a silent observer to the unfolding drama, my interest piqued not just by the situation but by the palpable tension that seemed to thicken with every exchange.

"Of course, he can fucking eat!" Jamie's response was sharp, a flash of anger punctuating his words, a protective fervour for Joel evident in his tone.

"What do you want?" Luke shifted his attention to Joel, offering an assortment of food with an open, questioning gesture. The variety in his arms suggested a willingness to accommodate, yet the simple action felt weighted with deeper significance under the current circumstances.

Joel's response was a silent shrug, his quietness not born of indifference but perhaps uncertainty or even discomfort.

To be honest, I found myself caught between skepticism and hope. Joel's condition had rendered him nearly voiceless, casting doubt on his ability to partake in something as normal as eating. Yet, here we were, contemplating it. Keeping Lois by my side, I watched closely, a part of me analysing the situation with a clinician's eye. The learning opportunity was undeniable, the situation unfolding before me a vivid reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the adaptability we were all forced to embrace in this new and uncharted existence. The necessity of medical observation in these moments wasn't just academic—it was a lifeline to understanding, to adapting, and perhaps, to healing.

"Beef madras okay?" Luke inquired, his gaze intently fixed on the container in his hands, as if the meal selection required his full attention. The simplicity of the question belied the care behind it, a reminder of the small choices that now felt significant in our stripped-back existence.

"Sure," Joel's voice was a raspy whisper, a stark contrast to the lively discussions around us. His acceptance, though quiet, was a sign of his gradual reintegration into our makeshift community, each meal shared a step towards whatever semblance of normalcy we could muster here.

"I don't really like anything too spicy," I found myself saying as Luke approached, the warmth from the container he held seemed to radiate a comforting promise of a hearty meal.

"Looks like butter chicken it is for you, too," Luke's response came with a light-hearted ease as he handed me a container, the heat greeting my palms through the plastic. "Good thing that's what I got the most of."

"You really can't go wrong with a good butter chicken," Kain chimed in, his voice carrying a mix of anticipation and contentment. It was a sentiment that resonated with us all, a shared appreciation for the familiar comfort found in food.

"You can have the last one then," Luke declared, passing the final container of butter chicken to Kain before settling down with his own meal.

The aroma that escaped as I cracked open my container was immediately intoxicating, a rush of spices and warmth that felt like a hug in the cool evening air. Smells delicious! The thought was a silent celebration, my anticipation heightened as I allowed the scent to envelop me.

"Sorry, not for you," I whispered down to Lois, who had been drawn by the smell, her eyes wide with the hope of sharing, as I leaned down to place another kiss on her head.

"Ahem," Paul's throat clearing cut sharply through the ambiance of clinking utensils and satisfied murmurs. The camp fell into a momentary hush, all eyes turning to him as he stood, imposing a pause on the evening's casual camaraderie. "I need everyone to check in at the Drop Zone regularly to see whether Luke has brought any of your belongings. Or perhaps there might be something there that you find you need."

"That sounds reasonable enough," Chris responded, nodding in agreement, the simplicity of the request seeming to resonate with him.

"Reasonable?" Karen's voice was laced with disbelief as she turned to her husband, her incredulity mirrored in her eyes. "It's a long way to walk just to check. I'm too busy to wander over to simply... check."

I was about to voice my thoughts when Jamie quickly chimed in, aligning himself with Karen's stance. "I'm with Karen on this one," he asserted, his tone edged with a hint of irritation. "Too busy."

"Busy!" Paul's retort was sharp, a flash of frustration breaking through his typically measured tone. "All you've done is sit in the tent for the past two days!"

"Fuck off, Paul!" Jamie's outburst was sudden, his frustration spilling over as a piece of chicken tumbled from his fork to his lap, a visual accent to the tension that snapped in the air.

Amidst the escalating disagreement, Chris's voice emerged once again, calm and practical. "I'm happy to wander over. It'll be a nice break and good to see what's there," he said, his demeanour unbothered by the brewing storm, as he continued to eat with an unshaken focus.

The exchange, a snapshot of our collective struggle to adapt and prioritise, left me pondering the balance between necessity and convenience, individual tasks, and communal responsibilities. The friction, though unsettling, was a reminder of the varied perspectives and coping mechanisms within our small group, each of us navigating this new existence with our own set of expectations and limitations.

Seizing the moment to affirm Paul's contribution, I voiced my support. "You make a good Drop Zone Manager, Paul," I commended him, a statement meant both to acknowledge his efforts and to foster a sense of unity and purpose among us.

Kain, ever the joker yet not always at the most opportune times, couldn't resist adding his quip, "Well, he is shit at building things," barely audible yet clear enough for those of us nearby to catch. The tension it briefly introduced hung in the air.

In the pause that followed, I addressed the group. "I think our settlement has more chance of thriving if we each focus on our strengths," I stated, a gentle reprimand in my glance towards Kain, who avoided my gaze, his attention suddenly captured by his meal.

Lois stirred at my feet and after her sniffing nose got pushed away from the food in my lap, with wagging tail, she decided to bother Duke. She's done well, I told myself, conceding to allow the two dogs more play time. Probably best they tire themselves out now before bedtime, anyway. The thought made me reflect on the circumstances of Lois's arrival. So unexpected.

Turning back to the matter at hand, I reinforced the suggestion to Paul. "With Luke bringing supplies through so quickly now, perhaps it would be best if the Drop Zone had a dedicated manager." It was a role that, despite the levity and occasional jibes, was crucial for our nascent community's organisation and efficiency.

Paul's acceptance, though resigned, was a commitment to take on a role that utilised his strengths and contributed to the greater good. "Fine," he acquiesced, the weight of responsibility settling on his shoulders. "I'll be responsible for notifying people when things arrive for them and for keeping the Drop Zone in some sort of order."

Karen's enthusiasm was palpable, her exclamation serving as a bright, affirmative beacon in the growing dusk. "Marvellous!" she declared, her voice carrying a spark of excitement, perhaps a bit too eagerly.

"But–" Paul's interjection carried a weight of practicality, drawing the word out as if to brace us for the inevitable complexities his suggestion might unfurl. "If I am going to be going back and forth so often, we need to do something about this bloody dust! We need to build a road." His point, albeit laced with a hint of frustration, resonated with undeniable logic.

"That sounds fair enough," I concurred, the memory of my recent struggle with the dust clouding my agreement with a personal understanding of the task's urgency. The thought of regularly facing that ordeal was less than appealing.

"I can help with that," Chris offered, his enthusiasm almost tangible as he raised his hand, embodying the spirit of a committed volunteer.

"Yeah, I guess we could all pitch in," Kain added, his voice carrying a mix of reluctance and resolve. His gaze wandered, seeking, and perhaps needing, the reassurance of consensus from the group.

"I'll help too," came Joel's contribution, his voice raspy but determined.

This consensus, quickly reached, was a telling moment, a reflection of our evolving dynamic. It was interesting to observe how readiness to assist became more pronounced when the issue directly impacted them. Guilt, responsibility, or simply a growing sense of community? The motivations might vary, but the outcome was a collective commitment to improvement.

Draining the last of my sauce, I indulged in a moment of personal satisfaction, a small, silent celebration of not wasting anything, especially in such sparse conditions. Never let a good sauce go to waste, as my mother would say, her words echoing in my actions. The slurps, loud in the quiet that followed our decision, were more than just the consumption of sauce; they were a nod to preserving and appreciating the small comforts, even here, even now.

The fire's glow was a beacon in the night, casting long, flickering shadows that seemed to play upon the faces of those gathered around, creating a tapestry of light and darkness that danced across their features. It was a vivid contrast to the all-consuming blackness that enveloped everything beyond our small circle, turning the surrounding desert into a void of unseen mysteries. The air was tinged with a crispness that heralded the night's chill, sending shivers down my spine and causing goosebumps to erupt along my arms where my sleeves fell short.

Wrapped in a blanket of silence, save for the occasional crackle of the fire, my senses seemed heightened, attuned to the slightest whisper of sound. It was then, amidst the tranquil stillness, that a soft, raspy voice cut through the quietude, pulling at the edges of my awareness. My heart skipped a beat as the realisation dawned on me. "Joel!?" I whispered, my voice a mix of surprise and incredulity. The humming, barely discernible at first, gradually took shape into words, weaving a melody that seemed to resonate with the very air around us. Since he had offered his help earlier, Joel had remained a silent, almost spectral presence among us; hearing his voice now felt like uncovering a hidden layer to the young man I had yet to truly understand.

"Let us celebrate our story

The words we've yet to write.”

Joel's song, simple yet profound, stirred something within me, a feeling of connection to the moment, to the people around me, and to the vast, untold future stretching out ahead. It was as if his words were a call to arms, a reminder of the stories we were living and those yet to be written. The resonance of his voice seemed to vibrate through me, touching a chord deep within my soul and awakening an almost magnetic pull toward my violin. It was a feeling beyond explanation—a deep-seated need to join in, to meld my own musicality with his in the creation of something beautiful.

I couldn't help myself; I moved, almost without thinking, my actions propelled by the force of the emotion his song had evoked. My sudden movement, a disruption in the stillness, caused him to halt, his voice trailing off into the night. "Please, don't stop. You have a beautiful voice," I found myself saying, the words tumbling out in a rush of earnestness. I wanted more than anything for him to continue, to fill the night with the beauty of his song and allow me to become a part of it with my violin.

Joel's response was a faint nod, a subtle acknowledgment that carried with it an air of humility and a depth of emotion that words could not convey. As he resumed his humming, the melody weaving its way back into the night, I felt a profound sense of gratitude and connection.

Cursing under my breath, the darkness felt almost tangible as I navigated my way into the tent, the fabric flap closing behind me with a swish, severing the last tendrils of light from the campfire outside. The world within was swallowed by an inky blackness, leaving me momentarily disoriented. Groping forward, I sank to my hands and knees, the cool, rough texture of the tent floor pressing against my palms as I crawled. The space felt both familiar and alien in the darkness, my hands guiding me towards the far corner where, nestled amongst my belongings, lay the treasure I sought: my violin case.

Grasping the case with a sense of urgency, I turned to make my way back, moving with a blend of haste and caution. My hip collided with an unseen obstacle—a heavy, unmoving presence in the darkness that I swore wasn't there before. The impact sent a jolt of pain radiating through my side, prompting a frustrated groan. "We really need more light," I muttered, nursing the tender spot with a rub. The lack of visibility was not just inconvenient; it was a tangible reminder of our precarious situation, where even the simple act of retrieving an instrument could become an ordeal.

With the violin case in hand, I emerged back into the night, the warmth of the campfire a welcoming contrast to the cool, dark confines of the tent. My return was marked by a small, triumphant smile.

Taking my seat once more on the log, I cradled the violin with a reverence reserved for the most intimate of companions. The bow, an extension of my own arm, hovered in anticipation as I tuned into Joel's melody, a repetitive tune that had woven itself into the fabric of the evening. The first few notes from my violin were hesitant, a squeaky overture that seemed almost apologetic for the intrusion. Yet, with each stroke, my confidence grew, guided by muscle memory and a deep-seated love for music.

The violin soon found its voice, blending seamlessly with Joel's melody. The notes I played danced around the fire, intertwining with his song in a harmonious partnership that spoke of resilience, of shared experiences, and of the unspoken bonds forming between us. This was more than just accompaniment; it was a conversation carried out in the universal language of music, a dialogue between two souls momentarily lifted above the harshness of our reality.

As the music flowed, I found myself swept up in the moment, my earlier frustrations and the pain from my collision with the unseen furniture fading into the background. Here, in the glow of the campfire, with my fellow settlers gathered around, I felt a profound sense of belonging.

Karen's inquiry floated to me through the night air, her voice tinged with curiosity and a touch of wonder as her head swayed softly with the rhythm, embodying the music's gentle sway. "You know this song?" she asked, her eyes reflecting the flicker of the campfire.

"Not until now," I responded, my fingers moving deftly over the strings of my violin, not missing a beat. The music had become an extension of my thoughts, a spontaneous creation that bound us together in this slice of time. My attention briefly wandered to Luke, who moved among us with a tray of drinks, his steps lively, a visible bounce that matched the energy of our impromptu performance.

Joel's voice, carrying the melody of the same four lines, became a beacon of hope in the enveloping darkness. Each repetition of the verse seemed to weave a stronger spell, binding us closer with the promise of a future crafted by our own hands.

"Let us celebrate our story

The words we've yet to write.

How we all wound up with glory

In the world we fought to right.”

The simplicity and depth of the lyrics spoke volumes, echoing our shared dreams and the silent vows we made to each other and the night. It was a hymn for the hopeful, a ballad for the brave, sung by a voice that had known weariness yet refused to bow to it.

As Joel's voice dwindled into silence, a profound stillness enveloped us. I played through the stanza once more, my bow drawing out the last notes, a final salute to the resilience and spirit of our small community. With the conclusion of the melody, I lowered my violin, the silence marking the end of our musical interlude.

I turned to Joel, compelled to acknowledge the gift he had unwittingly bestowed upon us. "Your music... it's more than just words or notes. It's a spark," I said, my voice laden with a mixture of admiration and gratitude. In that moment, it was crucial to honour the talent and hope he shared, recognising how his weary yet determined voice had ignited a light within us all, a reminder of the strength found in unity and the power of shared dreams.

"To Joel!" Luke's voice, buoyant with admiration and gratitude, cut through the night air, his glass held high as if it were a beacon in the darkness. The camp responded in kind, a chorus of voices merging to form a powerful echo that seemed to carry our collective spirit into the night, resonating far beyond the confines of our immediate surroundings. The energy within the camp surged, a palpable wave of renewed hope and camaraderie washing over us all. Amidst the revelry, my thoughts turned introspective, drawn to the enigmatic figure whose song had inspired this outpouring of unity.

From my vantage point across the campfire, its flames casting a kaleidoscope of light and shadow across his face, I pondered the origin of Joel's profound lyrics. Was his musical talent a natural gift, a beacon of hope in these troubled times? Or, as my thoughts dared to wander into darker territories, was there a more mystical explanation? The notion that Clivilius, a name whispered in hushed tones, laden with fear and reverence, might be communicating through Joel sent an involuntary shiver through me. The visible scar of a slit throat served as a stark reminder of the brutal realities we faced, the unspoken battles yet to be fought, and the sacrifices already made.

My gaze then shifted to Karen, whose earlier mentions of a breeding facility among other revelations had stirred a whirlpool of questions within me. These were topics shrouded in mystery, subjects my father had never broached, suggesting layers of complexity to our situation that I had yet to uncover. The reality that there was so much beyond my understanding weighed heavily on my mind, tethering my soaring spirits with a gravity I couldn't easily shake off.

Joel's song, with its poignant call to celebrate our unwritten stories, now resonated with a deeper significance. It was a clarion call not just to remember the past or to revel in the present, but to bravely face the unknowns of our future. His words, imbued with hope and defiance, had unwittingly sown a seed of determination within me. A determination to delve deeper, to understand the full breadth of our circumstances, and to arm myself with knowledge.

The realisation that our stories were indeed unwritten, that our paths were ours to chart in the face of adversity, steeled my resolve. The mysteries surrounding my father, the truths Karen hinted at, and the enigmatic presence of Joel—all these were threads in a larger tapestry I was now compelled to unravel. As the cheers for Joel faded into the background, replaced by the comforting crackle of the fire and the soft murmur of conversation, my resolve hardened. I was more determined than ever to learn, to explore the depths of what had been kept from me, and to prepare for the challenges that lay ahead. In this moment, surrounded by the warmth of the fire and the strength of my newfound family, I felt a quiet determination take root, fuelling my desire to face the unknown with courage and an unquenchable thirst for the truth.