Chapter 6: Chapter 6

ANNABELLE

“Blake and I crossed paths about half a year ago. He was hurt. No surprise,” Killian said. “He said he was out hiking, but he didn’t have any gear and it was positively pouring out. I suspect he was hiding from something. Lots of people come out here to escape.”

I nodded, hanging on his every word. That was exactly what I had been trying to do on my climb.

“Anyway,” Killian continued. “He looked like he was in pain, both physically and emotionally, so I helped him back to my place and patched him up.”

“You have a place up here then?” I asked.

“I come up here from time to time. I have a little cabin about seven minutes away, if you know the trails and the weather’s good. Everything looks the same on the north side of the mountain, so people often get lost. That’s why they try and steer people away from it,” Killian explained.

“I see. Please, continue.”

“So, I helped Blake up and took him to my place. I checked him over,” he said, pausing to pour boiling water into two cups and add some sugar. “I hope you don’t mind black tea.”

“Not at all. Thank you,” I murmured, accepting it.

I held it with both hands, letting the warmth seep into my fingers. A sigh of contentment slipped past my lips, even though I secretly wished we were having coffee instead of tea.

“Great,” he smiled, “Now, where was I?”

“You had taken him to your place to check his injuries. It was raining and windy,” I reminded him.

He nodded before continuing.

“Right. So he had bruised his ribs and sprained his ankle falling, a lot like he did when you found him,” he sighed, shaking his head slowly.

A small snore came from the bed. He glanced at the sleeping man before turning back to me.

“I knew it would be risky to try and take him down the mountain. He was injured and the paths get treacherous in the rain. You can imagine how challenging it would be to descend with an injured person,” he explained.

I nodded, sipping my tea.

“Eventually, I nursed him back to health, but he didn’t want to return to society just yet, so I helped him fix up this cabin. It had been abandoned for over a decade, ” he said, looking around. “It’s livable, but only just.”

“Did he tell you why he was out in the rain?” I asked.

Killian nodded, an apologetic smile on his face. “Yes, but that’s his story to tell. He’s got his reasons for hiding, or at least, for feeling like he has to.” He paused. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for him. Who knows what would have happened if you hadn’t been there.”

“I just happened to be in the right place at the right time,” I said with a shrug.

“How humble of you,” he chuckled, taking a sip of his tea.

“I was actually thinking of heading home soon,” I said, looking at the steaming mug in my hands and frowning.

For some reason, I found myself upset at the prospect of leaving. It was ridiculous. I barely knew Blake, but for some reason the thought of him up here all alone was heartbreaking.

“I wouldn’t advise it. It’s not safe right now,” he said. “The trails are nearly impossible to see under so much snow. I barely made it here.”

“I know, but I’m worried people back home might start to panic.”

“You could use my phone to call someone,” he offered. “Let them know you’re okay.”

“Thank you. I’d appreciate it.” I smiled.

“Good. You should stay here for a few days until it’s safe to go down. It should be manageable soon now that the snow has finally stopped,” he said, setting his tea down and handing me his phone.

“Thank you,” I said, taking it. “One last question?”

“Shoot,” Killian said, tilting his head encouragingly.

“How long do you think Blake will stay up here?” I asked, glancing over my shoulder. “He’s alone most of the time, and there aren’t many resources. What if he gets hurt again? What if it’s worse than before? Who will help him?”

“I try to come by at least once a week or so to check on him. I only work part-time now, so I’ve a little more flexibility,” Killian said. “As for how long he’ll stay, that’s up to him. We all have a right to make our own choices, no matter how crazy they might seem. But when he’s ready to go back to the real-world, I’ll be there to help.”

“You’re right. While I’m here, I promise to take care of him. Maybe I can help him work through whatever he’s got going on,” I said, feeling determined.

“Thank you. I appreciate it,” he said, a grateful smile on his face. “And I’m sure he does too,” he added, nodding toward Blake.

“How long do you think he’ll sleep for?” I asked.

“He’s probably just worn-out,” he suggested, shrugging it off. “Don’t worry. He’s fine.”

I chuckled nervously. “I guess I can be a bit of a worrywart sometimes,” I admitted, my gaze dropping to my fidgeting fingers.

“That’s not a bad thing. It just means you care,” he reassured me. “I’m going to grab some extra supplies from my place to get you through the next few days. Knowing Blake, there’s probably not a lot left in the cabinets.”

“Thank you, Killian. We were getting a bit low on things.”

Killian finished his tea and stood up, heading for the door.

“I’ll be back soon,” he promised, pausing at the threshold. He tilted his head thoughtfully, then added, “I have an extra room at my place, if you want to stay there. I’ll bring some extra blankets and things, but it’s yours if you want some additional space.”

“I’ll be fine, but some extra blankets and such would be appreciated. I want to be here in case Blake needs anything during the night,” I said firmly.

Killian nodded.

“You’re a good one, missy,” he added. “Where have you been sleeping? Hopefully not in those terrible chairs. They’re so uncomfortable.”

“I didn’t exactly sleep on the floor,” I confessed, my cheeks heating up.

I couldn’t meet his gaze, so I stared into my half-empty teacup instead.

“Oh, I see,” Killian teased. “Very cozy.”

I looked up to find him grinning at me, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“What?” I asked, sounding a little defensive.

“Nothing,” he said quickly, pulling on his coat. “Sit tight, missy. I’ll be back soon.”

With that, he opened the door and left, disappearing into the snow-covered forest and leaving me alone with the still-sleeping Blake.

I finished my tea, carrying the cup to the sink and checking on Blake before returning to my chair by the fireplace, sighing in contentment as the warmth enveloped me. I glanced at the phone in my hand, contemplating my next move.

~I guess now’s as good a time as any to call my mom~, I thought. ~I bet she’s worried sick.~

Blake was sleeping soundly, so doubtful he’d catch any of the conversation, and I could use the company. I dialed, listening to the ring as I waited for her to pick up.