Page 69 of Still Afraid

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death … Jesus is with me.

She … couldn’t get air … in …

She needed air!

Jesus! Help.

Damp hands gripped her upper arms. “Chloe. What’s wrong?”

She couldn’t reply, but she tried to get her eyes to focus on Josh.

“Hey, I’m here, babe. Look at me. Meet my gaze.”

She blinked but couldn’t snap out of it. Her vision tunneled.

Josh poured cold water on her neck. “Come on, Chloe. You need to take a deep breath in. Follow my breaths.”

She could barely see him but fought against the panic by matching the cadence of his breathing.

Slowly her heart rate settled, and Josh came into focus.

“Hey.” A smile graced his stubbly face.

She reached up and cupped his cheek. Their foreheads found one another, sweat disregarded.

“Feeling better” He sounded as breathless as she felt.

“I think so. I don’t know where that came from. Nothing triggered it.”

“That isn’t the first uncued attack, is it?”

She shook her head.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” His voice was gentle and lacked accusation.

“You’re worried enough about me.”

“That’s my job.” His gaze intensified. “I’m here to take care of you. I can’t do that if you hide things.”

“That one was worse than the others. For what it’s worth, I’m glad you were here.”

“Me too.” He drew her into his arms.

They sat there until her heart rate and breathing returned to normal.

“The heat probably isn’t helping. Maybe we should go for now.”

Gabe came over and squatted down next to them. “Let Josh take you home—your new home. And get some rest. If you must, come back later when it’s cooler. We’ll keep working for you.”

“But I can’t ask your friends—”

“Sis, you don’t have to ask anything. We love you and want to help. You need rest and hydration and a sense of safety. Go.”

She gripped her brother’s forearm. “Thank you.” Moisture clouded her eyes. She didn’t deserve the love her family extended to her, let alone their friends.

Josh stood and offered a hand. As soon as she stood, Poirot jumped up from his little patch of shade. He apparently liked the idea of leaving.

Chloe gave Gabe and Aliza both hugs before calling Poirot to come.