Page 39 of One Sultry Summer

“It’s nothing.”

“I’ll be the judge of that.”

She sighed and held out her hand. There was some slight swelling at the wrist. I was glad she didn’t wear jewelry, or I’d have had to remove it immediately. The swelling would have been unbearable to deal with. I pulled out the first aid kit, removed an instant cold pack, and applied it to the wrist.

“Hold this in place for as long as you can to help reduce the swelling.” She nodded her head. I didn’t feel any noticeable fractures, but that doesn’t mean it would hurt any less. More than likely, she has a bad sprain. I propped up her arm and found something to immobilize her wrist and wrapped it with an ace bandage.

“Try to keep from using it.”

Although I have camping gear down here, I refuse to use the propane tanks on the camping stove. Call me crazy, but I don’t want to create another hazard by using it without proper ventilation. We have plenty of blankets and sleeping bags if needed.

I’m praying we’re not stuck down here for hours, or longer. I’m just thankful that Valerie located Emily when she did. There’s no telling what could have happened to her. Maybe God for once, can be in my favor. Now, I only hope that Valerie’s text message made it through.

My thoughts ran rapidly, fearful for my parents and the residents of Skybrook. Being stuck in here means I’m unable to help the people of my community. As the minutes stretched into hours, I knew that hunger had set in for all of us. I rummaged through a plastic tote and found forks and spoons. I grabbed a couple of cans and a can opener from the shelf.

“I hope you like peaches?”

“They sound wonderful,” Valerie replied.

“Daddy.”

“Yes, precious?”

“Can’t we make something with the camping stove?”

“Normally I would, but right now, I don’t thinkit’s safe. Plus, all we have down here are canned beans, vegetables, and fruit.”

“Fruit sounds good, Daddy.”

“When we get out of here, I’ll get you anything you want.”

“Really?”

Thoughts of her at the cemetery by herself gave me second thoughts. “Within reason.” After we ate, Emily nodded off an hour later. Her head laid across my lap, and she looked peaceful despite the situation we were in. I could still hear the pitter-patter of rain coming down outside and the wind chimes echoing in the distance. It was so quiet that for a second, I even thought that Valerie had fallen asleep.

Valerie softly whispered. “Wyatt. I’m sorry.”

“Sorry for what? If anything, I should be thankful for you saving my daughter.”

“I, uh. I think I got the wrong impression the first time we met.”

“What impression would that be?”

“I thought you were self-centered and overly confident.”

“I suppose you were right.”

“But there is a part I got wrong. I thought you drove your wife away and I assumed she divorced you. I’m sorry, I thought the worst of you.”

“You found out about Lauren?”

“And about Jacoby, but not the how. You don’t ever have to tell me how you lost them, it’s not any of my business.”

“Did you find Emily at their graveside?”

“I did.”

“Could you please tell me why you came on foot? Didn’t you have a car?”

---