Not any hook, either. The one from the pole she’d borrowed and left on the ground when she went to the dock.
“I’m so sorry.” Her throat thickened. “You tripped on my fishing pole. But I’ll fix this.”
“No.” The lines around his mouth deepened. “Go get help.”
“I can do this.” Kat removed her pocketknife from the back pocket of her shorts.
He flinched. “What are you doing with a knife?”
“I live on a farm where carrying a knife comes in handy.”
This one had been a birthday gift from her parents when she turned eight, though she had a feeling her grandparents had purchased it. Her mom and dad were too busy with their research on primates to remember special dates and holidays. Sometimes, Kat wondered if they remembered they had a daughter. Too bad spending the summer with them hadn’t been an option.
She opened up the knife. “When you’re in the wilderness, you should always be prepared.”
“We’re at a summer camp with a ridiculous name.” He spoke through clenched teeth. “Not theBialowiezaForest.”
Kat had no idea what or where that place was, but the exotic name conjured up images of a grand adventure. Someday, she’d travel to places like her parents did and see the world.
“True, but I can use the knife to remove the fishing wire so you won’t stumble again.” Sunlight glinted off the silver blade. “If you stay still, I won’t cut you.”
His clear, green eyes turned cold and looked like frozen peas. He must be in pain.
“Go ahead,” he said finally.
He didn’t sound happy. Kat didn’t blame him.
Blood seeped through his pants. A large red spot covered his knee.
Ouch. He must have hit the ground when he fell.
She cut away the fishing line and then closed the blade. “I’m going to pull out the hook. This might sting.”
His jaw tensed. “Get it out now.”
She was tempted to salute but thought better of the idea. He didn’t seem like he was in the mood to laugh or smile. She didn’t blame him.
Kat pulled on the hook.
He grunted.
His sister shrieked. “Oh, please, be careful.”
Kat was. She tried again. Each time she worked to dislodge the hook, the boy’s face reddened and the girl’s paled. Finally, it came out. “Got it.”
He squeezed his eyes closed.
Kat placed the hook on the fishing line she’d cut off.
The boy opened his eyes. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“You shouldn’t leave your things unattended.”
“I didn’t think anyone would be out here.” She gathered the fishing gear, stood, and extended her arm to help him stand. “We need to get back to camp and clean you up. You don’t want your wounds to get infected. And someone should check your knee.”
The boy hesitated and then slowly, as if he wasn’t sure he wanted to touch her, grabbed hold of her hand and stood.
