If we light a fire, someone out boating might see us.""That's a good idea," Sam said. "Or it would be. If we had matches to light a fire. Or if anyone was actually out boating.""Why don't we just find a place to hide?" Hayley said. "That way, when someone does come, we can see if it's a real rescue or not.""How the hell are you going to tell the difference?" Sam said. "Ask them?
In this excerpt from "The Calling" by Kelley Armstrong, the characters are discussing survival options while stranded. Sam suggests lighting a fire to flag down potential rescuers on the water, but quickly points out the impracticalities of not having matches or any guarantee that someone would actually see it. This highlights the challenges they face in their current situation.
Hayley proposes that instead of trying to attract attention, they should find a hiding spot. This brings up a significant concern about discerning genuine rescuers from potential threats. Sam’s sarcastic response suggests both frustration and a sense of helplessness, emphasizing the tension of uncertainty and the struggle to trust others in a dire predicament.
