Page 100 of Still Afraid

Chloe’s movement was stiff and labored. She hurt more than she let on but had brushed off the EMT who wanted to check on her.

“Chloe”—Josh gripped her arm—“let them check you over.”

“It’s not that bad. I’ll let you take care of it.”

“You’re moving like you’re in more pain than that cut.”

“My hips and thighs are bruised, I’m sure, but that’s it. I just want to go home right now.”

“Your parents are at my house.”

“Good, I want to see them too.”

Josh chuckled.

After giving Chloe another hug, Gabe left with Aaron and the EMT for the hospital.

Finally, Josh pulled her into a hug. She squeezed until he almost couldn’t breathe. “I was so afraid I wouldn’t find you.”

She didn’t say anything. With her head resting on his chest, she held on with all her might. She was resilient, even if she didn’t think that about herself.

Lance came over. “Not to disrupt your moment, but do you want a ride home?”

Poirot barked.

Josh only took one arm from around Chloe. She lifted her head and also kept a hold on him.

Josh pointed at Lance. “We’ll take you up on that offer, but we’ll need to stop by the hospital to get this one checked over.”

“No, Josh. Just home, please.”

“Don’t fight me on this.”

She gave a resigned nod. “As long as you promise no more crazy adventures.”

“As much as it depends on me.” He leaned close to Chloe’s ear and whispered, “Should we pass the baton?”

She nodded her full agreement this time.

Josh chuckled. “It’s settled then. Lance, we think it’s time for you to have an adventure. We’ve had our fill for a while.”

“I’ll pass on the kinds of adventures you two have.”

Chuckling, they all started toward where Josh and Lance had left the SUV.

Josh gently encased Chloe’s hand in his own. His relief at having her back couldn’t be rivaled. He was certain Chloe felt the same way and would definitely claim hers was greater. Either way, he praised God that Chloe was safe and sound.

The next morning, Chloe rapped on the hospital room door. Josh had dropped her off before going to get coffee from the local shop to give her a few minutes alone with her brother. Last night had been tough. She’d been exhausted from the whole ordeal, but going to sleep had been impossible. Every time she closed her eyes it felt like the world was spinning.

Out of prudence, after being released from the ER, she went to the farm with her parents, but it didn’t feel like home anymore. Josh was home. The next seven days were going to feel like torture, but by God’s grace she’d make it.

Gabe, still in full uniform, opened the door and wordlessly hugged her tight, then ushered her into the room.

Aaron was asleep.

“How is he?” Chloe kept her voice soft.

“He’s going through some withdrawals, and that’s way worse than the injuries he suffered. Other than what happened yesterday evening, he’s got nasty cuts on his hands from the glass at Josh’s, lacerations we speculate were from the tornado at your house, but he’s also got some bruising that appears to be from multiple different times.”