"Jake, secure that side!" I shouted over the noise, my voice nearly lost in the wind. "Maria, we need more coverage on the roof!"
To my surprise, they listened. Maybe there was hope for this team after all. Jake's strength proved useful as he wrestled with the larger branches, while Maria's nimble fingers wove smaller twigs and leaves into a surprisingly effective thatch.
As night fell, the storm reached its peak. Lightning split the sky in jagged streaks of brilliant white, momentarily turning night to day. Each flash was followed by a deafening c***k of thunder that shook the very ground beneath our feet. Rain pounded our makeshift shelter, finding every tiny gap and soaking us to the bone.
Inside our lean-to, we huddled together for warmth, our earlier animosity temporarily forgotten
