The trail was steep and rocky. She had no idea how much further it was to the place where she would meet Clara -- until a trail sign indicated there were three miles to the hilltop.

Helen walked on, searching for a secluded place to camp. About 1/4 of a mile later, she was surprised to find a serve-yourself backpacker's campground. A group of digital media students were already there. Enormous backpacks with aluminum frames forming a circle around their sleeping bags. She spread her blanket nearby. Joined the students for dinner.

She went to sleep early -- to the sound of student voices, telling stories about procedural generation.