Everyone knows there’s a rescue underway.
Everyone is watching.
I wrap my arms around myself, staring out at the empty stretch of sky where the helicopter disappeared, trying to ignore the steady stream of tears sliding down my face.
“May.”
I turn and find George walking toward me, worry written all over his face.
Before I can respond, he pulls me into a quick hug, one hand resting gently against the back of my head. We’re not close. I’ve only worked here a short time. But right now, the kindness of it makes my chest ache even more.
I lean into him, my shoulders trembling as the tears keep coming.
“Have faith, May. He will be okay.”
I nod, though the movement feels small and fragile.
Behind him, I notice Nathan approaching, Houston padding beside him. Nathan places a hand on George’s shoulder and murmurs something quietly, pulling him a few steps away.
My phone suddenly begins to ring in my hand.
April.
The moment I answer, the thin thread holding me together snaps.
“I got your text. Is Aiden okay?”
The sob that escapes me catches in my throat before I can stop it.
I try to speak, but nothing comes out except broken breathing and quiet crying.
April waits.
“Hey,” she says gently. “It’s okay. Take your time. I’m here.”
I press my hand against my mouth, trying to steady my breathing long enough to form the words.
“He… he went overboard.”
Saying it out loud makes it feel terrifyingly real.
“They lost visual of him. Finn is out there looking for him.”
A quiet pause stretches across the line.
“Well,” April finally says, “Finn is basically a real-life superhero, so he’s going to find him and bring him back safely.”
A shaky breath escapes me.
“I can’t lose him, April. I’m not ready to lose another person I love.”
She exhales softly.
April understands exactly what I mean.
We both do.
“He’s coming home, May. They’re going to find him. He will be safe.”
