Park Ranger Finds Massive Nest In Forest, Then He Looks Inside

Ruth stared at him, uncertain. "Why would you help me?" "Because you've been through enough," Brian said. He paused, making his decision. "I have a supply run along Sector 4 every three months. I can drop off dry hardwood and briquettes so you don't have to burn wet pine to stay warm this winter."

Tears welled in Ruth's eyes, the first crack in her hardened exterior. "Thank you." Brian clicked the radio receiver, holding it up to his mouth. "Dispatch, this is Kesler. Do you copy?" Static hissed before the voice returned. 

"Copy, Kesler. Did you find the source of the smoke?" Brian looked Ruth in the eye and pressed the transmit button. "Checked Sector 4. False alarm. Just a smoldering, moss-covered log from an old lightning strike, and it’s completely extinguished now. The area is entirely clear."