Chapter 29
Alex
Continuing their journey northward, the dense forest canopy seemed to stay open. They followed the river.
"Jordan, can I explain something to you?” Alex asked.
Jordan nodded. "Of course. What's up?"
Alex began, "Dr. Martin has been helping me understand some things lately. I want to see if I can explain to you how I have been feeling... Before I heard Shadow was alive, it felt like a cloud of despair shrouded my mind. My thoughts were very dark and foreboding. I thought Shadow was gone forever because of the bear. I just felt numb."
He paused, composing his next thought. "In the short time Shadow's been with me, he's become more than I could have imagined. He has become a lifeline in my struggle against my PTSD. When I thought he was gone, the world got dark."
They continued to walk for several more moments. Then, he continued. "You are also one of my lifelines. Dr. Martin explains that the more lifelines I have, the stronger I'm going to become. Since yesterday, a constant sense of loss has consumed me. It led to my panic attacks. The attacks feel like someone is clenching my chest with an iron grip. It leaves me gasping for air. The darkness is like a heavy, weighted blanket holding me down. I feel it smothering me, and it smothers the feeling of everything good in my life. It's like I'm alone and helpless. When I saw him disappear into the forest, it destroyed me."
He stopped walking and faced Jordan.
"Hearing that they found him, that he is alive… At first, a moment of disbelief washed over me. My mind was so accustomed to the grief that I struggled to grasp the reality of the situation. My emotions immediately changed as the news sank in that he was okay. The best I can describe is it's like the first rays of sun piercing through a relentless storm." Alex took a deep breath and looked into Jordan's eyes.
He continued. “The news was like a catalyst. It sparked a transformation in my emotions. The overwhelming sadness lessened, replaced by joy. It feels like someone has lifted the weight off my chest. The panic attacks are like sudden, intense fear that grips me. Right now, it all seems a distant memory. Now, I can ‘feel,' if that makes sense."
He walked over to Jordan and grabbed his hand. "Jordan, I want you to imagine being in a dark room for days, and suddenly the light gets turned on. That's what I experienced emotionally just now. The relief is so intense. Almost physical. It manifests into a deep, long, releasing breath I didn't know I was holding. It makes me feel a renewed connection to the world around me. Like I got my sense of belonging back that had been missing since yesterday." He closed the gap between him and Jordan and hugged him.
"I know that was difficult, but thank you for sharing that,” Jordan said. “I didn’t know that it was like that. You amaze me, Alex. I love you more each minute of the day. I hope you know I take the responsibility of being one of your lifelines seriously. Babe, I am so proud of you."
They continued walking north quietly for a few minutes. Alex felt emotionally depleted from sharing such a personal experience with Jordan. He wanted to lighten the mood.
“Okay, what do you call a cute guy with his hearing aids turned off?” Alex stared with a mischievous glint in his eye.
Jordan sighed and played along. “I don’t know, what?”
“Anything you want, he can’t hear you!” Alex delivered the punchline with a flourish, his face breaking into a wide grin .
Jordan couldn't help but burst into laughter. It eased the tension in both of their shoulders. It was the perfect remedy for the heavy atmosphere hanging over them.
Encouraged by Jordan's reaction, Alex continued. "All right, here’s another one. Why did the bodybuilder grab a fresh shirt?"
Now engaged in this impromptu comedy session, Jordan shrugged with a smile. "I don’t know."
"Someone told him he looked ripped!" Alex declared, unable to contain his laughter.
Their laughter echoed through the forest. Jordan's chuckles were genuine.
As they walked, Alex continued making jokes. Each one brought more laughter and lightness to their journey. The jokes ranged from silly puns to clever wordplays.
"Okay, last one," Alex said, holding up a hand as he prepared for the grand finale. "Why shouldn’t you trust trees?"
Jordan, now eagerly awaiting the punchline, shook his head. "Tell me."
"They seem shady! Get it?" Alex exclaimed and pointed to a tree, and they both erupted into laughter once more.
Jordan and Alex continued their search. Suddenly, the radio crackled to life, Linda's voice breaking through the static.
"Honey, you're close, according to the computer screen. Start yelling his name," she urged.
Alex responded, "Thanks, Aunt Lynn. We're on it." Then he and Jordan began calling out Shadow's name with renewed vigor. Their voices echoed through the trees.
Minutes ticked by, each one feeling more prolonged than the last. Then a faint bark pierced the air, sending a jolt of adrenaline. Without hesitation, Alex sprinted, Jordan matching his pace stride for stride. Shadow's barks grew louder and clearer as they ran, guiding them like a beacon.
They scrambled up an embankment leading from the river, their hearts pounding. There, hobbling toward them, was Shadow. The sight of him was both heart-wrenching and joyous. Dried blood covered him as he severely limped. He clearly displayed the ordeal he had been through .
As they reached him, Alex's emotions overflowed. He removed the backpack bundle and fell to the ground. Despite their injuries, he rolled around with Shadow. Shadow wagged his tail in happiness, and his barks were cries of joy. The reunion was raw and beautiful, a moment of pure, unbridled happiness.
Jordan knelt beside them, opening his red veterinary backpack. His hands were steady as he assessed Shadow's injuries. Most of the wounds were scratches and bruises from the bear encounter. But his brow furrowed in concern when he examined his injured paw. The paw was more swollen than before. Jordan's worried expression didn't go unnoticed by Alex.
Alex, still on the ground with Shadow, reached for the radio. "Aunt Lynn, we found him. Shadow's with us," he announced, his voice choked with emotion.
The response was immediate. A chorus of cheers and relief came through the radio. The volunteers' joy was palpable, even over the static.
“That’s amazing, honey. I’ll let everyone know. Thank God,” Linda said with relief.
Jordan continued his examination, his professional demeanor contrasting with the emotional scene unfolding. "We need to get him back to the clinic," he said, urgency clear in his voice. "He's going to need proper medical attention."
Alex nodded, tears of relief and worry mingling on his cheeks. He stroked Shadow's fur. He whispered words of comfort and love to his brave companion.
An unforeseen turn of events cut short the emotional reunion by the river. Shadow was still in a state of heightened anxiety from his ordeal. He ran away from them. His behavior was erratic, contrasting with the joyful reunion moments before.
Shadow's reaction surprised them. They were still sitting on the ground. They reached out to grasp Shadow. "Shadow, wait!" Alex called out, but the dog was running away, hobbling.
Both men sprang to their feet without hesitation, leaving their backpacks behind. They ran after Shadow, their concern growing with each step. Despite his limping gait, Shadow moved with a sense of urgency that was difficult to match .
With his quicker strides and less mass, Jordan caught up to Shadow first. He gently grasped Shadow's collar, slowing him down. Alex caught up, panting from the sprint.
"What's wrong, buddy? Are you okay?" Alex asked, his voice filled with worry as he knelt beside Shadow. The dog's behavior was puzzling, his eyes darting around as if searching for something.
Shadow was still upset. Jordan reached into his pocket and pulled out a small lead leash. He attached it to Shadow's collar, providing them with a better way to secure him.
Shadow, however, seemed intent on moving in a specific direction. He started walking with conviction, with the attached leash. He pulled as if eager to lead them somewhere.
Jordan and Alex exchanged a look of bewilderment, but trusted Shadow's instincts. They followed, allowing him to guide them, hands never leaving the leash.
As they moved to the edge of the dense forest, Shadow's determination never wavered. His pace was steady despite his apparent injuries. Occasionally, his nose sniffed the air as if he were tracking something.
Shadow guided Jordan and Alex away from the river. They journeyed toward the dense tree line. The forest seemed to open, revealing a small, secluded cabin. Towering trees cast a shadow over the cabin. It appeared weathered and neglected. A solitary dirt bike leaned against the side of the house. Its presence almost felt out of place in the tranquil forest setting.
Alex and Jordan exchanged a hesitant glance as they approached, their steps slowing. Shadow, however, continued to tug on the leash, his determination unwavering. A workshop-like building flanked the small cabin. Pieces of lumber scattered out front. They were likely used for splitting wood for the fire. No smoke was curling from the cabin's chimney, adding an eerie stillness.
"What do you think?" Alex asked, his voice low and cautious.
Peering toward the building, Jordan replied, "He wants to go there. Let's see where he leads us." Alex stepped in front of Jordan as they advanced.
As they neared the cabin, the sense of unease grew. The surrounding woods were quiet, as if holding their breath in anticipation. The workshop seemed frozen in time. It held scattered lumber and tools, a snapshot of rural life untouched for a while.
Shadow's pace quickened as they approached the workshop, his nose to the ground. Then a pungent, unmistakable odor hit them when they opened the door. The heavy, oppressive smell of decay filled the air. It caused both men to recoil instinctively.
Alex and Jordan covered their mouths and noses with their hands. They backed away from the workshop. Their eyes met in a shared expression of horror and confusion. Shadow halted his advance and whined softly.
In the tense silence around the workshop, Alex's voice broke through. It was heavy with a grim realization. "I've smelled dead bodies before, Jordan. There's a body in there," he said, a grave certainty in his tone.
Jordan opened his mouth to protest and insist they face whatever was inside together. Yet, he saw the resolve in Alex's eyes. He nodded, understanding the need to trust his judgment at this moment.
Alex removed his shirt and placed it over his nose and mouth to cover up the overwhelming stench of decay. He reached into his waistband, into a concealed holster, and withdrew his Glock.
Jordan, surprised, said, "You brought a gun with you?"
Alex nodded. He raised his hand for Jordan to step back and cautiously approached the workshop door. His every sense heightened. He decided against entering through the door. He moved to a window on the side of the building and lost sight of Jordan. Peering in, the dim interior appeared, revealing a tragic scene.
In the center of the small room lay a body—an older man, lying in an unnatural position. The advanced state of decay was clear, even from Alex's limited vantage point. The room was otherwise empty, the stillness adding to the eerie atmosphere.
Returning to Jordan, Alex's expression was solemn. "There's a body in there. It looks like an older man. It's pretty decayed. We shouldn't go in. We need to call the police," he reported, his voice low. Jordan, his face a mask of concern, nodded in agreement.
Alex holstered his Glock. He reached for the walkie-talkie, gripping it tightly. He relayed the information to Aunt Lynn. "We've found a dead body of an adult male in a cabin near our location. We need the police sent to our GPS location on the map."
There was a brief pause before Aunt Lynn's voice came through, marked by shock and urgency. "Alex, I'm sending help right away. The other teams are close to you—others will be there soon. I'll phone the state police and the Forest Service. Are you and Jordan all right?"
"Yeah, Aunt Lynn, we’re okay. No one else is around."
They both stepped back from the workshop and Alex put his shirt back on. They stood at a respectful distance from the scene of the grim discovery. Sensing the seriousness, Shadow stayed close to their side.
As they waited for the authorities to arrive, the quiet forest quiet seemed to take on a different meaning. The peacefulness was now overshadowed by the reality of what lay within the workshop.
Sean and Lisa arrived fifteen minutes later. Relief washed over them as they saw Shadow, Alex, and Jordan.
Alex and Jordan briefed them on the situation. They explained the discovery in the workshop. Sean nodded. As a trained paramedic, he investigated further. The others stayed back.
Sean entered the small workshop. The others watched, a collective breath held as they awaited his return. Moments later, he emerged, his expression somber. "It's an adult male. Looks like he might've fallen over and died. No signs of foul play," he reported, his voice measured.
He immediately radioed his fire station for the details and their location. With the report made, Sean turned his attention to the nearby cabin.
His movements were deliberate. Sean peered through the cabin's window. He ensured there was no immediate danger or other occupants. Seeing nothing amiss, he opened the door. The others followed his actions with keen interest.
Inside the cabin, Sean was a calm and capable leader. His actions were methodical. They could see him conducting a quick but thorough check through the door. When he reemerged, there was a new piece of information in his hands.
"It looks like this place belonged to a man named Scott Miller," Sean said. He held up some medication bottles for the others to see. "Found these inside—nitroglycerin and blood thinners. It's possible Mr. Miller had a stroke or a heart attack. "
At the mention of the name Scott Miller, Alex and Jordan exchanged a look of stunned recognition.
"That's Shadow's owner," Jordan said. "Stephanie Miller's father."
The revelation hit them like a wave. The circumstances of their search suddenly had new, poignant meaning. Shadow's frantic behavior made heart-wrenching sense.
Alex's expression was a mix of sadness and understanding.
"He must've been trying to get help," he mumbled. His gaze lingered on Shadow, who sat by their side.
The group stood in somber silence, processing the new information. Each person lost themselves in their thoughts.
Staff members and firefighters from the other three search teams arrived. The area became a hive of activity. Seven ATVs transformed the peaceful forest setting. Their engines broke the natural quiet. One vehicle bore the symbols of the state police, and another had the park service logo. Men from Sean's firehouse drove the others.
Alex and Jordan gave their statements to the officers. Sean coordinated with his team. He arranged the return of Alex and Jordan to the second base camp with the state police after they were done with their questions. He handed Alex the keys to his truck, understanding their need to get Shadow to the clinic as soon as possible. Jordan had already informed everyone that Shadow required immediate veterinary attention.
While waiting for transport, Alex retrieved their discarded backpacks. He only took the veterinary bag and left the other packs with Sean.
Rick and Tyler, two firefighters that had arrived on ATVs, agreed to escort them back to the second base camp. Alex and Jordan climbed onto the back of the ATVs. Alex cradled Shadow gently in his arms. His concern for the dog was clear in every careful movement.
Upon reaching the base camp, the other members of the clinic team greeted them. Thanking the two firemen, they made their way to Sean's truck and placed Shadow in the middle between them.
Taking the wheel of Sean's truck, Alex drove back to the clinic, Jordan beside him. The journey was quiet, both men lost in thought.
They arrived at the clinic in the early afternoon. The clinic, usually a place of healing and care, now felt like a sanctuary, a haven after the day's ordeal. As they entered, the familiar sights and sounds of the clinic brought a sense of coming home.