Free Nobody's Dream by Kallypso Masters

body come to a sudden stop at the bottom of a scree slope. When the dust cleared, I saw that the sharp rocks had cut up her face. She banged her head on a rock ledge where she landed.” He closed his eyes again and then opened them quickly, as if the image had only grown sharper in his mind’s eye.
    “Was she conscious?”
    “She didn’t respond at first, but a minute or two later—seemed like hours—she moaned. I called to her, and she spoke with me a bit. Confused, for sure, but she recognized me and knew where we were. I figured I’d better go get help because it wouldn’t do her any good if I went down to her and got stuck, too. We didn’t bring ropes or rappelling equipment.”
    He reached for the worn leather band on his wrist and twisted it. “I’ve only felt that helpless one time since.”
    She did not ask but wondered what other event could have left him any more helpless than watching his injured wife and not being able to save her from certain doom. Had he lost—or nearly lost—someone else close to him?
    Her heart tugged, but she refused to allow herself to pity him. She could not let her guard down. No doubt, many women would find him attractive with his classic features—high cheekbones, strong chin, and affable smile. Not Cassie.
    Would he continue to share the story about his wife? Should she encourage him to or just let him keep those sad memories buried deep inside? She would not have wanted him to prod her about her own past. So why did she ask, “What happened when you returned to her with help?”
    He refocused on her face. “The EMTs, rescue workers, and I came back within an hour of the fall since we weren’t wandering around on a wild-goose chase the way Maggie and I had been. She was lucid, but in a lot of pain. Probably broke her arm or wrist in the fall.” He paused, blinking several times. No doubt he would have traded places with her, if only he could. “They wouldn’t let me go down to her. God, I just wanted to hold her. Let her know she wasn’t alone.” His voice broke, and Cassie wanted to hold and comfort him, but kept her distance out of fear. He might misinterpret her intentions. “There wouldn’t have been much I could have done to help. I hadn’t been trained for SAR back then.”
    Perhaps she could help ease some of his pain by sharing her experience when channeling his dead wife. “I know it does not bring her back, but when she came to me to create that sketch of her and your unborn baby, she was at peace. She held no anger or resentment toward you or anyone else.”
    Tears swam in his eyes before he turned away. “I look at that picture every morning when I get out of bed. It’s given me peace of mind, especially knowing she’s together with our baby. Thank you for sharing it with me.”
    “I am not a medium or anything. Perhaps she came to me because you and I were in the same room. She guided me to sketch that image. I just conveyed what she showed me onto the paper.”
    Lucas grinned and met her gaze again. “Yeah, she could be forceful like that. Lord knows I never could tell her no.” His smile faded, and she saw regret in his eyes. He blamed himself still. She hoped he would one day let go of that useless emotion. Regret never solved anything.
    Perhaps someday I will take my own advice to heart.
    “May I get you anything?”
    “No, I’m fine. Too tired to get up. I’ll just try to go back to sleep now. I appreciate you checking on me. Sorry to be such a pain.”
    His gratitude warmed her heart, even though she felt guilty accepting it given how much she wished she had not been forced to take care of him at all. “Just get well. I am sure you wish to return home as soon as possible.”
    Not as much as I wish for you to go home.
    “I’ll do my best.”
    She nodded and stood. “Only pleasant dreams this time.”
    Cassie realized she truly hoped he would sleep peacefully. Something about this man made her want him to heal from his unbearable