Chapter 10

I close my eyes in despair.

Just as Melody is about to crush my hand with her foot, a figure lunges through the rain.

Caught off guard, Melody is knocked down and lies motionless after a brief struggle.

It's Callie.

Stumbling with each step, he struggles to the edge of the cliff. He secures one hand to a tree trunk at the cliff's edge with his belt, and desperately reaches out to me: "Quick, grab my hand!"

The torrential rain lashes violently, making it hard to keep our eyes open. The pain in my ribs especially makes my vision go dark in waves.

This won't work. He can't hold me.

"You'll be pulled down!" I cry out.

"No I won't, Delia! Trust me this time!"

In that moment, I remember how Callie looked during his rehabilitation.

Drenched in sweat, palms bloodied, muscles contorted...

A man who refused to give up.

Steeling myself, I summon my last ounce of strength.

I grasp his hand.

Callie holds onto me tightly.