Page 20 of Rangers Mountain Rescue
8
Aspen
The house is too quiet. I can’t believe I fell asleep. I jump up.
At first, I think Grandpa is sleeping.
But when I open his bedroom door…
The bed is empty.
My stomach drops.
“Grandpa?”
No answer.
The back door is open.
Warm air drifts inside.
My stomach drops so fast it feels like I can’t breathe.
No.
No, no, no—
“Mom?”
Dylan’s voice behind me is small.
Too small.
I turn fast, grabbing his shoulders.
“Stay inside,” I say, my voice shaking despite everything I’m trying to hold together.
My hands cup his face.
“I need you to stay right here, okay?”
His eyes search mine.
“Are you leaving?”
The question slices through me.
“I’m coming right back,” I promise, brushing my thumb across his cheek. “I’m not going anywhere. I just need to find Grandpa.”
He nods.
Trusting me.
Always trusting me.
God… I can’t break that.
“I’ll be right here,” he whispers.
