I gesture to the ground, and he sits next to me.
He’s had the plan to get us rescued, but I can tell he’s worn down, increasingly exhausted like I am.
“Agreed. Let’s stay focused. But maybe someone saw the fires and sent a rescue craft, right? And if not, then we’re clearly going to be stuck here for a while longer. So, I know I could use a rest. Maybe some self-care, tend to our injuries before we return to the grind?”
Hank nods slightly and considers my words. He joins me by lying down, close. I get myself in the crook of his shoulder, my arm across his broad chest. His beard is getting scratchy, and as I get in my spot, it brushes my face.
“I suppose we could take care of ourselves. And clean up this new spot.” Hank places his hand between my shoulder blades, gently shifting us, and then keeps holding me like that. “Comfortable?”
I smile, enjoying it when he looks out for me.
“Yes, good,” I say. “Does that mean we can have a slower morning?”
He hums under his breath. “Sure. I suppose that makes sense,” Hank says, and I soon after drop into a deep sleep in his arms.
