Psychologist Neil is a civilian embedded with a division of Marines sent out as part of a peacekeeping mission overseas in the Pacific. When the local political situation erupts into open civil war, the American troops are ordered to evacuate. Neil escapes in a small plane, along with several military personnel. The plane crashes into the sea, with only Neil and a Marine surviving. They're swept over a reef and deposited in the lagoon of a deserted island. As they work together to survive in the hopes of being rescued, mutual respect warms into friendship. But Neil's feelings grow deeper, and he keeps them hidden from his companion. How would the Marine react if he knew the feelings Neil harbors for him? Can what they share in isolation carry over if -- or when -- they're rescued?

Marooned with a Marine

Standing up and walking several feet away, the rescue worker spoke into a walkie-talkie, relating some of the information he had just gathered. I overheard the term “critical condition,” and my chest tightened. Then the man came back and he led me down the beach toward the water—just as the helicopter swept back to hover over us.


This time a gurney was lowered. We detached it, carried it up the beach and, gently placing the Marine in and strapping him in, carried him back to where the hook of the line hung in the air.


The airman made the same circular motion with his raised hand. The gurney was pulled up, and then a rope ladder was let down for the two of us.


Chapter 32