Zoey and Lucy had climbed into the tallest tree house to clean its windows and replace some damaged wooden panels.
Layla was sitting on the balcony, reading an old journal they had discovered in a cave several years earlier.
Audrey was helping Susan dry herbs beneath the afternoon sun.
It was an ordinary day, but there was always something to do.
Their village had become almost entirely self-sufficient.
They grew their own food, collected fresh water, made clothing from island fibers, and built almost everything they needed.
They even maintained a small fishing dock along the southern shore.
The island provided plenty, but they had learned not to take its generosity for granted.
By lunchtime, Jude and the others returned with their baskets.
Rose immediately inspected their collection.
"Good. These are exactly what I needed."
She picked up one of the unfamiliar blue fruits Sophie had discovered.
"And what's this?"
"We found it near the river," Sophie explained.
