She took her time, carefully placing the few articles of clothing in the drawers or closet, then closed the suitcase and slipped it under the maple framed double-bed. She thought about unpacking Rick's suitcase, but she decided he would likely prefer doing it himself. So instead, she returned to the living room and sat down on the day-bed, making herself comfortable as she watched the fire burning to hot, glowing coals.

She daydreamed, unaware of the passing time, and the heat from the fireplace made her lush, young body feel warmly sensitive to its radiance in her mind, she could see herself taking off all of her clothes, stripping and lying down nakedly in front of the fire, while the dancing light of the flames cast strange shadows on her breasts and stomach… and legs. The heat made her flesh tingle with an erotic excitement as tiny beads of perspiration formed on her brow, an excitement that played sensually over her body and caressed each part.

Linda jumped up from the day-bed, shaking her head to drive the dreams away. Her son should be back any minute, and there was dinner to prepare. She felt flushed and shaky as she walked quickly into the kitchen; and she started pulling food from the refrigerator before she remembered the hot-dogs on the sink.

"Foolish woman," she said out loud as she closed the refrigerator door. Through the window above the sink she saw that it was almost dark outside, and she leaned closer to look up toward a dark sky. She had left her wristwatch in the bedroom, thinking she would have no use for it that evening, and she hurried to get it and check the time. Good Lord! It had been two hours since Rick left to find the Boyds' campsite!

It wasn't like her son to be late, and he had said an hour… or so she thought? She walked quickly to the front door and peered out into the night; with the exception of a few scattered campfires, she saw nothing. Instantly a picture of Rick, lost and hungry in the woods, flashed in her mind, and real worry overpowered her sense of reason. She had to find him to be sure he was all right.