Cursed family

Rachel suggested, "Why don't we find something to drink first, then discuss our treasure-hunting adventures over dinner?"

Ava stood up, "I'll go hunt for food, You all set up camp."

Malcolm chimed in, "No, no, no. Eli can go with you. He's the self-proclaimed 'Master Hunter'."

Eli flexed his arms, grinning. "Hey, someone got to keep you all fed."

Ava rolled her eyes. "Oh great, because your hunting skills are so legendary... in your own mind."

Malcolm chuckled. "Hey, don't knock it till you try it. Ava, Eli's got skills."

Ava smirked. "I'm shaking in my boots."

Rachel intervened laughing. "Alright, alright. Ava and Eli, hunt together. But don't get lost... or kill each other."

As they headed out, Eli called back, "Don't worry, Mom! We'll bring back the bacon... or at least, some edible berries!"

Ava muttered under her breath, "If we're lucky."

As they ventured into the woods, Eli proudly carried a makeshift spear, while Ava snickered behind him.

"Hey, that's a great spear... for a toothpick," Ava teased.

Eli shot back, "Hey, this toothpick's gonna catch us some dinner!"

Ava chuckled. "I'm sure the rabbits are shaking in their boots."

Eli playfully lunged at a nearby bush, shouting, "I'll show you! I'll catch us a... a... um, what's that?"

Ava giggled. "A leaf?"

Eli grinned. "Hey, it's a start!"

Just then, Eli's spear got stuck in a tree trunk. Ava burst into laughter. "Well, I guess that's one way to hang our dinner!"

Eli chuckled, trying to yank out the spear. "Shut up, it's a... uh, a hunting technique!"

As they continued their hunt, they stumbled upon a small stream. Eli spotted a fish swimming in the water.

"Yes! I've got this one!" Eli attempted to spear the fish but ended up splashing himself instead.

Ava laughed so hard she snorted. "I think you need to work on your hunting skills.... or just stick to toothpicks!"

Despite the mishaps, they eventually managed to catch a few fish and headed back to camp, exhausted but triumphant.

As they headed back to their camp, they saw that their parents had finished setting up. The campsite looked cozy, with a makeshift tent and a fire pit ready to go.

"Time to cook our catch!" Rachel exclaimed, relieved that they had found food.

Malcolm helped Ava and Eli prepare the fish, and soon the aroma of roasting fish filled the air. They sat down to enjoy their meal savoring the taste of their successful hunt.

As they ate, the warmth and comfort of the campfire made them feel a sense of temporary normalcy, a brief respite from their ordeal...

As they devoured their roasted fish, Malcolm suddenly stopped mid-chew, his eyes fixed on the darkness beyond the campfire's glow.

"What's wrong, Dad?" Eli asked, noticing his father's tension.

Malcolm whispered, "I thought I heard something moving out there."

Rachel's instincts kicked in. "Everyone, stay close. Ava, get the fire going higher."

Ava quickly added more wood to the fire, casting flickering shadows around the campsite.

Just then, a loud rustling echoed through the underbrush, followed by the sound of twigs snapping.

Eli's eyes sparkled with excitement. "What is it? A bear?"

Malcolm's grip on his makeshift spear tightened. "I don't know, but let's be ready."

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the darkness, its features illuminated by the firelight..