Page 31 of Rangers Mountain Rescue

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12

Havoc

We get Harold back to the house just before midnight.

The old man is already half asleep I carry him until we get to the house.

Buddy walks beside him like a bodyguard.

Dylan refuses to leave the dog’s side.

She stays beside Grandpa until his breathing evens out.

Until she’s sure he’s really sleeping.

Only then does she move.

I watch her head straight to Dylan’s room.

Aspen paused in the doorway.

He’s asleep.

Curled on his side.

Buddy pressed against him like a shield.

I could tell she is emotional.

She steps inside quietly, brushing her fingers through his hair.

“I’ve got you,” she whispers.

Even if he can’t hear her.

Even if the world keeps trying to take everything from them.

I’m still here.

Aspen stands in the kitchen once everyone leaves.

The house is quiet again.

Too quiet.

I’m about to head out when she says softly—

“How long did you know him?”

I stop.

“Joseph.”

The room feels suddenly smaller.

She studies my face.

“Did you serve together?”

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