Camp fire

The fire was lit just as dusk fell and burned until no one wanted to go back to their rooms.

The firewood was stacked in a cone shape in the middle of a stone circle in the courtyard, the flames almost as high as a seated person. Around it were swings, log chairs, and stone tables—everywhere was warm enough. The temperature in Mang Den dropped below 10°C at night, so everyone naturally huddled together. Conversations usually began with the stranger sitting next to them. By the time the embers were only glowing red, rarely did anyone want to get up first.