Time inched by painfully. Samantha sat frozen on the porch steps, gripping her phone so tightly it hurt. Then the screen lit up. She blinked at the reply: “I heard. I’m already getting my gear. I’ll be there soon.” Her breath caught. Her body slumped. Finally, someone was coming who might help.
Alex arrived a few hours later, stepping out of his dusty pickup with a pack over one shoulder. The mood shifted instantly. Even the two volunteers stood straighter. Samantha ran to greet him, her words tumbling out, choked with emotion. Just seeing him brought a flood of strength back to her.