You think of Lee, and what had just happened back in the forest. You want badly to follow her, but part of you is still scared that you shouldn't be with her. You turn your heels and walk toward Clay, giving Lee an apologetic expression.
"You probably know what you're looking for," you shout to her. "Clay and I will have to look harder. We'll meet on the other side of the lake."
Lee seems dejected, but shouts an energetic "Okay, see you there!" before quickly turning and walking up the bank. You feel terrible.
It doesn't help that Clay immediately asks you why you didn't go with her.
You try to explain it to him, as well as convince yourself it was the right decision. "I'm worried if we're alone...well, you saw what happened when we tripped over. I got so caught up in her, I could barely stop myself."
"And you don't want to make a real move on her before turning yourself back to normal," Clay says. You nod. "That's stupid, man. We're on an adventure here. Sure, you're going through an insanely hard time, but I'll bet Lee was actually looking forward to being close to you out here."
"You think I don't want to be with her right now, on the other side of that lake, having a picnic that ends in a makeout session? It's just not the right time for that stuff."
"Sometimes you just have to...I dunno. Make time. Go with your instincts. Does it matter that you look like a woman?"
"Of course it does!"
"Does it matter to HER?"
You're about to say yes, but you bite your lip. So far Lee's given you no sign that your appearance bothers her. It's obviously not getting in the way of your budding relationship, if that incident in the forest is any indication.
"Hey, I think I found..." Clay says, but stops himself. Your heart skips a beat. "Sorry, man. It's just a squarish rock. I thought it was carved."
You can see a rectangular rock sticking half out of the ground. It's unremarkable, except for its sheared sides, although the roughness is a sign that it was naturally broken in that shape, not manipulated by someone.
Low in spirits, the two of you continue down the bank, keeping your eyes peeled on the ground around you.