Chapter Twenty-Six #3
“Oh, ya know. Clumsy.” A small laugh escapes from me as I wrap my arms around him and pull him to me. When my cheek touches him, he flinches away slightly. His skin is still hot. I try to touch his forehead, but he grabs my hand and steps away. He lets go of my hand before awkwardly smiling at me.
“I’m sorry.” He must see the hurt on my face, but I don’t want to make this about me. I still have no idea what he’s been through.
“Hey, that’s okay. I was just trying to see if you still have a fever. You look like you still don’t feel very well, maybe?”
“Actually, I feel much better– just tired.” I’m uneasy at how nonchalant he’s being about this. He doesn’t do well at being sick. He never thinks he has time to slow down or to rest, much less be taken care of. But still, I would have thought in this circumstance he would be less stubborn.
“Luke, you were very sick. Do you remember that? I was scared that when I got back you might be… You were really bad. What happened?”
“I slept a lot. I guess that’s all I needed. When I woke up, I felt better. Like it never happened.”
“Well, what’s with all the layers? You must still be feeling a little off, if you need all this.” I reach out to grab his sweater, but he steps away again, this time looking frustrated.
“I’m cold, Hanna. I feel fine. Why aren’t you happy that I feel better?
” He looks back at the police standing behind me, not giving me a chance to answer, and says to them, “Can we leave now?” I take a couple deep breaths, reminding myself we both have gone through something traumatic and not to push.
I glance back at Carter and Lynch, looking for confirmation.
Officer Lynch steps forward and nods. “Of course. Is there anything you need to grab before we get out of here?” Luke looks down at me and smiles before wrapping his arms around me and kissing the top of my head.
“I have everything I need right here.” It's the first thing he’s said that holds some feeling and comfort in the words.
Everything is going to be okay. It’s going to take time, and we might not be ourselves for a while, but we will get through.
I put on a brave face and smile up at him before reaching for his hand.
I take it in mine and interlace our fingers.
It’s crazy how in just a few days apart, I have forgotten how much bigger his hands are then mine, how secure they make me feel.
I needed this physical contact with him.
I give his hand a squeeze and try not to be disappointed when he doesn’t do it back.
When I glance up at him, his face is blank and emotionless, making him impossible to read.
He just needs to eat a solid meal and sleep.
Then, we will be able to pick up where we left off.
At least, that’s my hope. As we’re walking down the stairs, Officer Carter turns, watching us come down.
“This has been a weird but good week for our police station. You’re the third person that has been rescued around here, including Hanna.
An older man came stumbling out of the woods just the day before we got the call about you guys.
When people get lost out here, they usually stay lost. You guys are very lucky. ” My head snaps up.
“An older man? What was his name?” I ask her.
“Well, I can’t give out other people's personal information.”
“Abel? You don’t need to tell me his last name, but is his first name Abel? Please?” I stop in front of her as Luke lets go of my hand and keeps walking out the door.
“Yes, I believe that was his first name. How did you know that?”
“He saved me in the woods but then disappeared. I’ll be honest with you–I was starting to wonder if he was a ghost or a figment of my imagination. You start to see a lot of things in the woods when you’re alone and scared.” She lays her hand on my arm and pats it comfortingly.
“Well, he’s real and he’s safe.” For the first time in over a week I feel at peace, like everything is truly going to work out. “Let’s go.” She gestures for me to walk outside and I eagerly listen. I never want to step foot into a cabin again.
As I step outside, I see Luke awkwardly standing beside the police cruiser. He looks like he is staring at the ground with his head hanging down so low his chin is almost lying against his chest. I run over to him and as I get close, I can see his eyes are closed.
“You okay, Babe?” I ask, gently placing my hand on his back.
“It’s bright. I haven't been outside in a while.”
“Oh, okay. Well, let’s get you in the car.
” I open the door for him, but he makes no motion to get inside.
“Let’s go home, Luke.” At that, he seems to snap out of it and hurries to climb into the car.
He doesn’t move over for me and instead of asking him to, I choose to walk around.
I have a feeling I need to be careful with him.
He seems spooked and fragile, like one wrong move or word might break him.
Before I get into the car, I glance back toward the cabin and I swear, there’s a shadow in the window, but when I blink, it’s gone.