Jennifer woke early to the birds' singing. The wind was just stirring the trees and cold air struck her side. Brody was gone, off hunting or doing his doggie toilette. Maybe she could just stroll into the local WalMart and purchase the sleeping bag. All small towns had a WalMart, especially here in Arkansas.<br/><br/>She scrubbed her face with creek water and brushed her teeth with the left over water from the melted ice. She pulled her black hair back into a braid, smoothing her hair as much as possible. She really needed a shower but had not found a Love's truck station yet. They had showers. State parks had showers too, but she hadn't seen one of those. Pulling the hood of her jacket over her head, she knew she could pass for an adolescent boy. Whistling for Brody and picking up her tattered back pack, Jenn started for town. The hood swallowed her face, making her less recognizable should anyone look her direction.<br/><br/>Brody came bounding out of the brush, a smear of blood on his white face.<br/>"Looks like you are learning to hunt for yourself. I'm sorry. You are such a sweet dog and you used to just chase the squirrels then bark at them to get up and keep running. I'm sorry you have to hunt to feed yourself."<br/><br/>She eyed him critically. His ribs were showing and his hipbones were prominent. He must be almost starving, she thought, never looking at her own frame.<br/><br/>They walked through the town that was starting to wake up. A man strolled along casually and the open sign flashed on at the corner diner. The Wal Mart sign was lit up but few cars were in the parking lot. Great. In and out. Then she and Brody could be on their way.