They finished setting up camp just before twilight, with Mandume and Olivia fussing over the firewood. Olivia clung to him, laughing at every word he said, and Mandume played along, even though his eyes kept darting toward Star.
Three tents were pitched—each to be shared by two people. As dusk painted the sky in burnt orange, Star sat talking with Rudra under the whispering trees when Olivia strolled up with a stiff smile.
"So... I see you two are pretty close," Olivia said, arms crossed.
"We're the best of friends," Star replied smoothly, glancing at Rudra. "He's my hero."
Rudra's phone buzzed. "Excuse me," he said, stepping away.
Olivia didn't wait a second. "I know your secret."
Star blinked. "What secret?"
"You think I'm a fool like Mandume?" Olivia hissed, stepping closer. "Why were you in my room, Star?"
"What? Your room? I was—" Star stammered, genuinely puzzled.
"I'm not playing games. Don't pretend to be clueless," Olivia snapped. "We caught you red-handed. You fainted, remember? Took advantage of Mandume's concern."
"I was looking for paracetamol, Olivia. I had amnesia. I went through your room, yes—but I also went through Bonita's. I didn't mean any harm." Star's voice cracked slightly. "If it hurt you, I'm sorry."
"You just moved in and already snooping? What if you'd found—"
"Dad's phone?" Bonita cut in from behind them. "Or maybe those love letters you wrote to my brother?"
Olivia froze.
"In my house, we don't hide things. Anyone can go through anyone's stuff anytime," Bonita said sharply.
"Oh, so now you're on her side." Olivia scoffed. "Fine. I'll pretend none of this happened. But next time, Star—you'll pay with your life."
She stormed off. Bonita stood frozen.
"Star… she just threatened you."
"No one takes my life but my God," Star said gently. "Don't worry, Boni. Let's not let this ruin the night."
Later, they all gathered around the fire. Mandume told the story of how he, Olivia, Bonita, and Tiffanie once got lost in the forest during a childhood adventure.
"I told everyone to stick together," he said. "But Bonita had to do things her own way."
"She got Tiffanie lost and ended up facing a wolf," Olivia added.
"A wolf? In Windhoek?" Star interrupted, wide-eyed.
"Star, stop pretending you weren't raised with wolves," Olivia scoffed.
"I grew up with monkeys, thank you. I didn't know wolves roamed Windhoek."
"It was a monkey," Bonita laughed. "But it looked like a demon."
"And you summoned the Holy Spirit!" Star teased.
"Nope, she peed herself," Mandume said, grinning. "Tiffanie had to rescue her."
They all erupted in laughter.
"That was my best childhood memory," Bonita said fondly.
While the others shared stories, Star looked around. "Where's Daniels?"
"He called," Bonita replied. "I'm going to pick him up."
Just then, Olivia clapped her hands. "Guys! Game time!"
"Adult games?" Star blurted out. The silence that followed was deafening.
"No! Not like that!" Star defended herself as everyone burst into laughter. "You all have dirty minds!"
"What did you mean then?" Rudra teased.
"I meant fun games—not childish ones like 'Sorry Water' or 'Touch'," Star clarified.
"But those games are meant to bring out the child in you," Olivia said with a smirk.
"We're not playing kiddie games," Bonita added. "Let's pick roommates first."
"We only have three tents and six people," Olivia announced. "So we draw names."
"What if someone draws their own name?" Rudra asked.
"You pick again," Olivia said. "Simple."
Bonita drew first. "No way. Rudra?! The strictest man here?" she groaned. "No talking after lights out, Sir."
Star went next. Her face dropped.
"Did you pick me?" Mandume asked eagerly.
"No… I got Daniels," Star said quietly.
Olivia grinned.
"Who's Daniels?" Mandume asked, a little too sharply.
"A friend. The one Bonita's going to get," Star replied.
"He's a he?"
"Yoh, jealous much?" Star teased. "Relax. It's just a sleeping arrangement."
"Don't worry, I'll behave," Star laughed, hugging him.
"And I'm with Mandume!" Olivia squealed, wrapping herself around him. Mandume looked disappointed.
"Wait—why are we sharing tents with the opposite gender?" Star asked, eyeing Olivia.
"Because it's the only fair way," Olivia said, almost too cheerfully. "Three guys, three girls—no extra people."
Mandume sighed. "Just a warning—I snore and talk in my sleep."
"I'll adjust," Olivia said sweetly. Star watched her with narrowed eyes.
"Let's do what we did years ago!" Bonita suggested. "Everyone hikes out in a different direction using maps or phones and meets at the center point."
"Alone?" Star asked, shocked.
"Yes," Olivia replied.
"Are you crazy? It's night," Rudra objected. "Anything could happen."
"But it's the birthday girl's wish," Olivia said with a smirk.
"I'm scared," Star whispered. "What if something happens?"
"She's pregnant, for heaven's sake," Mandume said. "Two months along, anything can happen."
"It's not like she'll give birth in the woods," Bonita shrugged.
"That's not the point!" Mandume snapped. "What if she falls or faints?"
"Then let her stay behind," Bonita said.
"I'll stay," Star said softly.
"You sure?" Mandume asked, eyes filled with worry. "We can hike together if you want."
"I don't want to hold you back. I'll be fine. I'm a Star, remember?" she smiled.
Mandume cupped her face. "I love you, Star. Always remember that."
"I do too—more than you ever will," she whispered, and they hugged.
"I changed the route," Bonita said suddenly. "It's a shorter path. We'll be back soon."
"Thanks, Boni. Go have fun while I order your gifts," Star said warmly.
Bonita nodded. "Daniels just called. I'll go get him now."
"Good luck. Hope you win," Star said, watching as they all disappeared into the forest's edge.
She turned back to the fire. Alone, but never really alone.