Kevin and Linda paddled their way across the lake, enjoying the early spring breeze. The snow had receded, the wind smelled of flowers blooming, and bird's songs filled the air. Kevin, with a mischievous grin, used his paddle to splash Linda's back. Before long, the children resorted to using their paddles as weapons in the water fight, regardless of the beauty around them. The rocking of the tussle was amplified as Kevin stood up in the small vessel.
 
"Kevin! Don't tip the boat!&qu

 Several weeks passed. Sheila, Linda, Jeremy, and Kevin made their way north. River, still grieving Rachel's death, had pointed the group in the direction of the nearest body of water near a human settlement before taking flight. The nights kept getting colder as they made their way north. Most of the work was done by Sheila; normally she would carry the humans on her back or in her hand when she wanted to talk privately. Winter was setting in and the the white plastic outfits the trio wore