“Try to stay calm, okay?” I call out as I follow the bank, trying to get closer. “Swim toward my hand if you can!”
If she can break away from the current at an angle, I might just be able to reach her—but there’s no way I’m strong enough to pull her out on my own.
She’s fighting, trying her best to swim in my direction.
The water is a force. Every time I think she’s getting closer, it tugs her back again, countering her every move.
I inch closer, as close as I can without losing my footing—the last thing either of us needs is for me to fall in, too. I reach out, trying not to think too much about what could happen if she gets pinned up against the boulders just ten feet behind her. I might have to jump in at that point, since they’re not accessible from dry land. I’m not sure that would be thewisestchoice—
But I think it might be my only choice, if it comes down to it.
“Fight, Zoe! Is there anything you can push off from?”
She grits her teeth, still treading water—and then, in a sudden forward surge, finally breaks out of the current.
I reach out, try to grab her hand before she’s sucked right back in.
Our fingertips brush, so close.
“Sadie!” she cries, flailing toward me, trying again.
This time, my fingers find hers, enough to grab onto—but I’m not a strong enough match for the water, and her hand is slick, sliding out of mine.
I’m just about to try again when a pair of strong arms wrap tightly around my waist—Thorn,thank goodness.
“I’ve got you, Sadie!” he says, slightly winded. “Reach out until you’ve got her! I won’t let go.”
I do as he says, trying to trust his words, his strength.
I lean out as far as I possibly can, stretching both of my arms toward Zoe, who’s still fighting the water. The extra inches make all the difference; her hands grasp mine so hard it hurts, especially in light of the tender spot that’s still healing after my rappelling injury.
I grit my teeth and hold on tight as Thorn anchors us, leaning back to help bring Zoe closer to the edge.
“Stay steady,” he instructs me. “I’m going to take over so I can pull her out, okay? Do whatever it takes to stay out of the water!”
I nod, still focusing all my energy on Zoe: her hands are so slippery, and my bandaged palm is hurting like hell—but I refuse to let go until Thorn’s got everything under control.
“Three…two…one!” Thorn counts down.
We switch places like we’ve done it a million times. The sudden absence of his grounding weight is jarring—but I manage to stay on land as I stumble backward.
Thorn pulls Zoe the rest of the way out of the water. Her knuckles are white from holding on to him so tightly, and he doesn’t let go until she’s steady on her feet.
“Zoe!” I cry, pointing down at her shin, where red rivulets drip down to her ankle.
She’s dripping, shaking, bleeding—and a bruise is already blooming on her upper thigh. Emma appears from somewhere behind me,handing Zoe a long-sleeved shirt so she can dry off and, hopefully, stop shivering. Only now do I notice we have an audience: my voice is raw from how loudly I screamed for Thorn—I guess it makes sense that everyone else came running, too.
“I’ll get my first-aid kit,” I announce, adrenaline kicking in. I have to move, have to help. That gash on her leg looks like an infection waiting to happen.
Thorn doesn’t protest. He’s got his hands full with Zoe, who looks even more pale and panicked than when she wasinthe water.
I run as fast as I can and return with supplies in no time.
Zoe’s huddled with Parker and Emma when I get back, wearing the shirt Emma brought over. I don’t have to ask Thorn what to do—I go through all the same steps he used on me for my hand. I can feel him hovering, just in case I need backup.
When I finish, Zoe just looks numb.
“Thank you,” she says, glancing from Thorn to me. “I’m…I’m so sorry.”
