I follow the line of her arm, squinting up into the trees, grateful for the distraction from her first question. It gives me a moment to stop being embarrassed about the fact I'd have to say no, I have no idea, I barely even remember which way it is to the hut I've been staying in for weeks now. She doesn't seem to care, but that doesn't stop me feeling the rush of heat up my neck. It's dark enough for that not to matter, at least, except to me.

"Yeah," I say, a little startled by the sight of the treehouse. I know those exist around here, but I never expect them. It doesn't matter either way, though, I'd be happy out here if that's what it took. If she likes the look of the treehouse, that's where we're going. Cutting across the grass, I nod. "Yeah, that'll work. You don't think there's anyone in there, do you?"

It's hard to tell around here. There's only one way to figure it out, and it requires me to figure out where they're hiding the ladder first.