Inch by Inch

The first day of the rain was magical. The second day of the rain is enjoyable. 

However, when the water around her did not drain by the third day, warning bells rang in Jiushu's head. 

She had everyone pack up the camp and started moving away through the mud and slog. 

There were far too many grumblings, but Jiushu still moved forward. 

It was only on the eighth day, looking at the dry land underneath their feet, she felt relieved. 

Her haunch had been right. The entire basin is a seasonal lake. 

If she had stayed where she did, then she would have had to stay there for the entire summer, till the reeds dry out during winter. 

She traveled just half a kilometer further from the water's edge, and started breaking camp. 

Everyone is relieved to leave the mud behind them. 

That's some giant seasonal lake, Jiushu thought.