Page 72 of After We Fall

“How bad is it?”

“Oh, she got me good. Only one of the gashes needed stitches though. The doctor said getting the area clean was more important than the stitches. They were concerned about the other guy. He was in much worse shape.”

“Yeah?”

“He'll be dealing with an achy shoulder for the rest of his life. He has a few torn ligaments.”

“Oh man, I bet he’s glad you came along,” Flynn commented.

“I'm just glad Nana mentioned there’d been some bears around. I don't always carry my gun and bear spray when walking through town.”

Flynn shook his head slowly. “No shit, neither do I.”

He helped me take care of the plane before we closed up the hangar and walked out.

“How was the trip overall?”

“Pretty good. Except for the bear.”

My elder brother gave me a long look before pulling me into another big hug. My throat was tight when he stepped back. “You gave us a scare.”

My voice was rough as I replied, “Didn't mean to. I'm all in one piece, I swear.”

* * *

That evening at dinner, I missed Harley’s presence at the table. After the guests filtered out of the kitchen, it was just me, Flynn, Daphne, Nora, and Gabriel hanging out. Cat was at her play practice.

“Beer?” Gabriel prompted as he held one aloft.

I shook my head. “Nah, kind of tired.”

“Suit yourself,” he replied as he sat down at the table.

“When do you get your stitches out?” Nora asked.

“They said two weeks. The nurse at the hospital in Kodiak already scheduled a follow-up with Quinn. He'll take care of it.”

“You’re damn lucky, you know?” Gabriel prompted.

“I know. Honestly, I don’t normally walk around town with my gun and bear spray, but Nana mentioned there’d been bear sightings, so I did it to be safe. Thank God.”

Daphne slid a look at Flynn. “I didn't mention it, but Grant thinks I need shooting practice.”

Flynn nodded. “You do.”

Daphne's eyes went wide, her mouth falling open slightly. “Are you serious? I don't think that's necessary. I have my bear spray.”

“Bear spray helps, but it would be good for you to feel comfortable with gun basics. We live out here where bears are even more likely,” Flynn countered.

“I know, but they keep their distance,” Daphne insisted.

“They usually do. But look, it's been years…” He glanced at me. “Remember that summer?”

“Oh yes.”

“What summer?” Daphne asked.

Nora grinned. “We had a problem with a male brown bear one summer. He kept lingering. It was my fault because I left the trash out one night. Anyway, we had to keep a gun right by the door in case he showed up so we could get to it quick.”

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