Adama lives in a time long before recorded history, when the small population of human beings exist at one with nature. Intelligent, they still retain something of the wild animal. The climate is tropical summer, punctuated by a short rainy season that isn’t only a time of constant heavy rain, but also when the Grim appear. These creatures are the reason humans build burrows, to hibernate in during the rainy season. But the Grim have begun to detect these underground burrows and root out their inhabitants. When Adama meets Graf, a traveller from the north, they share a quick sexual encounter before Graf continues on his way. However, the rains have come early this year, and with the threat of the Grim, Graf turns back. They share Adama’s burrow, but even securely tucked away, there are dangers. Who, or what, is banging on the entrance to their burrow? Will Adama and Graf survive to explore their burgeoning friendship?

The Burrow

“Graf!” he shouted again. “Graf!”


Finally Graf turned to face him, his expression vacant.


“Come back to me,” shouted Adama. He held out his arms, smiling. “Come back.”


Graf slowly rose to his feet and stumbled towards the cave. As he drew nearer, Adama remembered the bison hide and ran to fetch it. As Graf stepped into the shelter of the cave, Adama wrapped the hide around him and helped him to the rock ladder.


“I’ll be back as soon as I can,” said Adama, no longer afraid to purge, despite the presence of the Grim. They couldn’t venture beyond the water, and even though the floor of the cave was damp, it was puddle-free and safe.


Once back in the warmth and safety of the burrow, he replaced the rock plug and spread the bison hide over the bear fur for added warmth, for Graf’s sake.


“Are you all right?” he asked, taking hold of Graf’s hand and kissing it.


“I will be,” said Graf. After a small pause, he spoke again. “You really care, don’t you?”


Chapter 11