Kalahari (27 page)

“I can’t stand being in here another minute,” I pressed.

That seemed to persuade him. He helped me stand, keeping an arm around my waist as I wobbled forward.

“Does it hurt?” he asked.

“Not too bad.” But I winced and clenched my teeth as I took a step.

Outside, the sun was setting, and the people walking back and forth were silhouettes against the scarlet sky. No one seemed to notice us, for which I was grateful. I didn’t feel up to conversation. I just wanted to sit somewhere quiet and feel the cool evening air on my face.

We went around to the back of the building, where we found Kase, Miranda, Joey, and Avani sitting in the sand. They called to us, and we joined them. It took some very ginger maneuvering for me to lower myself to the ground, but managed it with Sam’s help. I leaned against him and breathed in deeply, filling my lungs with the fresh Kalahari breeze.

“How are you feeling?” asked Avani.

“Better,” I said. “Well, it hurts, but in a good way.”

“I can’t believe we made it,” said Joey. “Can you say, ‘best vacation ever’?”

We all groaned, but couldn’t help smiling.

“Sarah.” Miranda’s voice was soft and uncertain. I met her eyes and found them unusually shy. “I just wanted to say, you know, thanks. For putting up with me. Keeping us alive. I was kind of a witch. . . .”

“We all were,” said Avani. She took Miranda’s hand and squeezed it, and the girls exchanged—of all things—a smile.

“For what it’s worth,” said Kase gruffly, “I’ve decided not to sue you.”

“Um, thanks?” I said.

It may have been the medication, but I felt oddly at ease. Was it just a few days ago that I’d first met these people? I recalled the dread I’d felt that first day and of how I’d wondered if we’d make it through the week. In retrospect, it seemed silly. I felt I’d known them much longer. Despite the circumstances, I was glad we’d all met. Surprisingly glad.

I chanced a shy look at Sam, and found he was already staring at me. When our eyes met, we both blushed but didn’t look away. His curiosity, his energy, his wonder for the world had reawakened the part of me I was so sure I’d lost.

“What now?” he asked.

I smiled. “Next stop the pyramids?”

He grinned, and impulsively I lifted my chin and kissed him. For a moment, the warmth of that kiss drove away the pain and the horrors of the last few days. I leaned into him as much as my bandages allowed, until at last I pulled my lips away and rested my forehead against his.

“The pyramids, the North Pole, the moon,” Sam replied, his voice a bit hoarse. “Next stop anywhere, as long as you’re there.”

The evening cooled around us, soft and smooth as a black leopard stalking through the bush. High above, a few stars began their nightly vigil, lighting one by one, while the moon rose behind us. There is nowhere on Earth that the moon looks so huge or so near, like a great silver planet just out of reach. Only the far edges of the horizon still burned scarlet and orange, but the color was fading quickly. The few lean clouds that hovered in the distance caught those last vestiges of daylight, their edges burning gold. The sky was a dying fire, embers turning to ash, as night settled quietly over the great Kalahari.

Special thanks to all those who helped make this book possible, providing support, inspiration, and advice. My editor, Jessica Almon—thank you so much for believing in this book! I can’t imagine it coming to life without your insight and enthusiasm. Heartfelt thanks to Ben Schrank, Sarah Chassé, and everyone at Razorbill, for shepherding this book. Marisa Russell and the rest of the tireless publicity team at Penguin, thank you so much for spreading the word and making sure Sarah’s story finds readers. And of course much love to Lucy; you are a lion among agents!

A huge thank you to all those who taught me about the Kalahari: Hank and the rest of the folks at Mabalingwe Nature Reserve in South Africa, and Jacobus and the team at Deception Valley Lodge in Botswana for answering my many questions and for the long, wonderful hours spent tracking elephants, lions, and leopards. Tsota and Xise, for sharing with me so much about Naro culture and survival skills; Sarah and the crew would never have made it out alive without you! Thanks to my translators—Sam and Christa for your help with Afrikaans, and Denise for your French.

Thanks to my family, particularly my dad, who read this first, and my grandmother, who lent her medical expertise. And my mom, who taught me to love animals and how to turn everything into an adventure. Love you all! And finally my Ben, for your unwavering support and for letting me drag you on this crazy adventure—even when it means ending up lost in the middle of the South African bush at midnight (totally my fault!). I love you.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Special thanks to all those who helped make this book possible, providing support, inspiration, and advice. My editor, Jessica Almon—thank you so much for believing in this book! I can’t imagine it coming to life without your insight and enthusiasm. Heartfelt thanks to Ben Schrank, Sarah Chassé, and everyone at Razorbill, for shepherding this book. Marisa Russell and the rest of the tireless publicity team at Penguin, thank you so much for spreading the word and making sure Sarah’s story finds readers. And of course much love to Lucy; you are a lion among agents!

A huge thank you to all those who taught me about the Kalahari: Hank and the rest of the folks at Mabalingwe Nature Reserve in South Africa, and Jacobus and the team at Deception Valley Lodge in Botswana for answering my many questions and for the long, wonderful hours spent tracking elephants, lions, and leopards. Tsota and Xise, for sharing with me so much about Naro culture and survival skills; Sarah and the crew would never have made it out alive without you! Thanks to my translators—Sam and Christa for your help with Afrikaans, and Denise for your French.

Thanks to my family, particularly my dad, who read this first, and my grandmother, who lent her medical expertise. And my mom, who taught me to love animals and how to turn everything into an adventure. Love you all! And finally my Ben, for your unwavering support and for letting me drag you on this crazy adventure—even when it means ending up lost in the middle of the South African bush at midnight (totally my fault!). I love you.

Looking for more?
Visit Penguin.com for more about this author and a complete list of their books.
Discover your next great read!