Total pages in book: 117
Estimated words: 113142 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 566(@200wpm)___ 453(@250wpm)___ 377(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 113142 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 566(@200wpm)___ 453(@250wpm)___ 377(@300wpm)
When I finally got to hear Ally’s voice and told her what had happened, she immediately realized the serious situation I was in.
“Come home,” she pleaded through the very bad connection. I covered my ear in a vain attempt to hear her better. All around me, a storm was bearing down on us, the rain and thunder moving in rapidly, almost drowning out the sound of her voice. Every room in the building was full, so I had come outside to call her, desperate to hear her voice. I paced up and down the riverbank, wishing more than ever, I was on my way home to her.
“Soon.”
I could hear the tears of worry in her voice. “What if the fires spread and the clinic is caught?”
“It’s fine. We’re fine.”
“You can’t say that, Adam! You don’t know what will happen!”
“The fires are starting to burn out—it’s raining right now. It’ll be okay,” I soothed, wishing I’d kept my mouth shut. I didn’t want her upset again, and now I’d added to her stress. The fires had come dangerously close to us here, but we were sure the hazard was past now. The sound of the heavy rain approaching was a welcome relief to us all.
“I want you home.”
“As soon as this is done.”
“No,” she sobbed. “Now. I can’t lose you.”
“You won’t—”
“Don’t make me promises you can’t keep!” she yelled. “You’re not safe there!”
I pulled on my neck in frustration. “Ally, I’m—”
A scream behind me, the sudden rush of footsteps, and a small body crashing into my legs startled me so badly I swung around, causing the phone to fly from my hand, arcing high and landing in the swirling, rushing water.
I cursed, shouting profanities into the air, wading into the water, though I knew I would never recover the phone.
Peter’s equipment had died only days before we’d arrived. I stared at the murky water, realizing what I had done.
I’d lost our satellite phone, and now I had no way to get hold of her again. None of our cell phones worked here. I had no way to contact Ally.
Time passed in a haze of activities. I was a part-time medic as more people showed up from other places affected by the fires; I worked with Peter on the story, photographing him working and interacting with the people who adored the “pale healer,” as he was known. With his snow-white hair and quiet demeanor, he was a calming presence, no matter what was occurring. His wife was a small, sturdy woman, with dark, flashing eyes and a no-nonsense attitude that was a cover for a gentle, empathetic heart. They gave everything they had to their cause. I pitched in and helped repair broken items, roofs, anything that had been damaged by the huge storms and subsequent wildfires that were ignited by the violent lightning. I helped Edwina with the children, my heart breaking at the sadness I witnessed daily. It was nonstop.
Seeing the desperate need, I sent Tommy with the guide to the closest center to get what supplies he could. I also gave him the information to contact my business manager, John, so he could have more supplies purchased and shipped here. Tommy was gone for three days. When he got back, he told me he had left messages on Ally’s cell phone, explaining about the satellite phone and that we were fine. He also spoke with Sean, who promised to try to get in touch with her. It was the best I could do, although I hated that he hadn’t spoken to her directly. He had been unable to purchase another satellite phone, and I still had no way to contact her myself.
The story Larry was writing would be powerful and moving, and I hoped it meant help for Peter’s work. The pictures I had taken would add so much to it. I swore I would do whatever it took to bring attention to him and this place. I had quickly become fond of him and his wife, admiring their strength and generous, loving spirit. I promised more supplies would be shipped as soon as I could make the arrangements back home. Plans were set for me to leave the next day.
But that night, I became ill, which pushed back our leaving. A cut I’d ignored had become infected, and I fell, ravaged with a fever that racked my body for days, leaving me weak and unable to travel. Larry and Tommy stayed, refusing to leave without me. Peter wasn’t happy when I insisted on departing before he felt I was ready, but I needed to get home. I needed to get to Ally.
I shook Peter’s hand and hugged Edwina.
Then I got into the Jeep and headed toward home, allowing the part of me I’d kept at bay to leak out. I had missed her so much. My body shook with the force of my need.