David nodded. “Let’s go.” He didn’t hesitate. Neither did the others. They changed direction, cutting across the woods toward the orchard. Lisa moved with renewed energy, fueled by adrenaline and fragile hope. The mist rising from the ground seemed to hush around them.
The orchard emerged slowly from the darkness. Once thriving, it was now mostly barren—rows of crooked trees with bare limbs and crumbling trunks. A low stone wall marked its border. Lisa didn’t slow down. She climbed over the wall and landed on the other side, knees buckling.