Eli’s heart clenched as he held the fragile form against his chest. The girl’s apology, a fragile thread of regret and hope, tugged at memories buried deep within him. He wrapped her in his coat, the fabric swallowing her like a cocoon, and hurried back to the cabin with Max at his side, the dog’s presence a reassuring shadow in the storm.
They burst through the cabin door, the warmth inside a stark contrast to the freezing world outside. Eli laid the girl gently on the couch, her small body shivering despite the thick layers now surrounding her. Max nosed her hand gently, his eyes wide and watchful.
Eli moved quickly, lighting the fire to a roar and fetching blankets. As he worked, he glanced at the girl, noting her hollow cheeks and the dirt under her nails. It was clear she’d been out there for a while. His mind raced with questions, but he pushed them aside to focus on the immediate task of keeping her alive.
