When fate plays its hand

Paul ended the call and relayed the news to Miranda and Sam. Just then, another clap of thunder echoed overhead, and a damp breeze swept by. Miranda frowned. “It looks like it’s going to rain again.”

“There’s a small square gazebo nearby. We can take shelter there,” Sam said, glancing around and spotting a small resting spot not far off.

Miranda nodded. With no option to leave, they had to wait there for the rescue team.

Sam then carried her over to the gazebo, and Miranda patted his shoulder. “You can set me down now.”

Sam gently lowered her, and Paul stayed close to support her in case she stumbled. Fortunately, Miranda had injured only one foot, allowing her to balance on the other.

With their help, she hopped over to a bench inside the gazebo. Paul unzipped his bag and took out a thermos. “There’s still some warm water left. Drink a little more.”

Sipping carefully, Miranda watched in amazement as he pulled out a set of women’s athletic wear, complete with a top and pants. Her eyes widened in surprise.

“I picked this up on the way in a rush. It might not be perfect, but it’ll do for now,” Paul said while handing her the outfit.

Sam felt a slight pang as he realized he hadn’t thought to bring any of this. When he’d heard the news, his mind had focused entirely on her safety. But now wasn’t the time to dwell on that.

He looked at the clothing and said, “You’re soaked. You should change into dry clothes immediately. Paul and I will walk a little way off. Call us when you’re done.”

Miranda nodded. “Alright.”

Paul also handed her a dry towel along with the clothes. “Remember to dry your hair, too.”

“Thank you.” Miranda felt a lump rise in her throat. She’d always known Paul was meticulous, but experiencing it firsthand like this was different.

She was chilled to the bone earlier, and her skin was covered in goosebumps. Every gust of night wind. felt like it was cutting right through her.

Once the two men turned away and walked off, she quickly changed out of her wet clothes. Her underlayer was somewhat dry from her body heat, but the pain shot through her ankle when she accidentally bumped it, and she gasped.

Though Paul kept his gaze straight ahead, he couldn’t help but pick up on the sounds behind him. When he heard her sharp intake of breath, he instinctively clenched his fists, resisting the urge to turn and check on her. He reassured himself that she would call if there were any issues.

Sam shared the tension, though thankfully Miranda finished changing in only a few minutes. “All done,” she called.

The men turned back to join her in the gazebo. Miranda, now dressed in dry athletic wear, was seated as she dried her hair with the towel. Her long hair fell loosely around her shoulders, her cheeks had a slight flush, but her lips were tinged pale.

Concerned she might be catching a chill, Paul poured her another cup of warm water. “The wind here is

space t strong, and the damp air makes it even colder. Is there any way we can find a more enclosed block out the chill?” he suggested.

to This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Sam thought for a moment. “There’s a heated rest area in the opposite direction from where we came, but it’s quite far from the exit and has no phone signal. Walking there would take at least two hours. It’s not very practical.”

As he finished speaking, Miranda sneezed, and another cold gust swept in. While shivering, she took another sip of the warm water to steady herself.