Lucy moved behind Jude and wrapped her arms around his waist, her cheek resting between his shoulder blades. "We should stay here for now. Near the river. Near the flower."
Sophie nodded. "We should build."
Natalie added, "Together."
And so they did.
The rest of the day passed in a haze of gentle motion. They didn't speak much. They didn't need to. Hands found stones, vines, branches. The forest gave willingly - nothing thorned, nothing resisted. The trees offered long leaves perfect for weaving, their bark soft and pliable. The vines bent with a touch, strong and supple. It was as if the island had watched them, and now provided everything they might need.