Ford glanced down at Mia, sleeping gently. He sat next to her, holding her hand. He'd cleared it with Seth; the two had had a refreshingly frank discussion about taking care of Mia and also respecting boundaries of physical affection.
They hadn't even needed Grandpa to mediate between them. It was true progress, and Ford's heart was full.
Martin's cave was a clever creation, with a nearly-hidden doorway that was sure to keep Daniel and Seth safe while the others went onward, shaped to draw smoke from a fire away instead of keeping it trapped inside.
Ford was only keeping watch tonight because of nerves, and because Seth had suggested that he disapproved of Mia and Ford habitually sleeping next to each other.
