Rick led the way and climbed over the barrier, helped Mia up, jumped down to the other side, and began stomping down the tall grass, whistling as he went. Cody clambered up the wall, his heart immediately pounding and his hands getting sweaty. He just barely landed on his feet instead of his ass when he jumped.
Mia skipped by Rick’s side. Cody hung back and trudged along.
It really was colder and darker on this side of the makeshift barrier. He pulled his poncho tighter across his chest. He couldn’t hear the birds anymore. It was as if they refused to enter this part of the forest. The branches overhead were gnarled and curved down to the path, threatening to snatch anyone thick enough to dare risk the journey.