Free Every Storm by Lori Wick

just as soon I as I can arrange it. You're going back to California, and you're stay ing there."
    ILorri nodded, her eyes closing in relief. She had been close to
    Ipanic. This was almost worse than the island or the boat She wished
    Ishe could think a little more clearly, but she found herself ready
    Ito cry again. Never had she wanted to see her mother so much.
    thing to eat?"
    "Oh, food sounds good. Is there some place nearby?"
    "You leave it to me."
    Lorri nodded, feeling safe, and went into the bathroom. She used the commode and then moved to the sink to wash her hands. She ran the water but forgot to get her hands wet.
    Had there been mirrors on the boat? Lorri couldn't remember having seen one. Right now she stood frozen as a stranger looked back at her from the vanity mirror. Who was this person whose cheeks were sunken and pale, whose eyes stood out unnaturally? There was a scar on her forehead. Lorri couldn't remember when she got that. Was it new, or did it happen during the crash?
    "Lorri?" her grandfather called anxiously from outside the Idoor. "Are you all right?"
    Ill
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    "Yes, I'll be with you in a moment."
    Just remembering she wanted to wash her hands, Lorri made herself look down and get the job done.
    I'm alive, she said to herself, enjoying the cool water and the white sink. Nothing eke matters. Her mother came to mind, but Lorri had no worries on her account. Her mother wouldn't care how she looked as long as she was alive.
    Following Dean as he led her to the mess hall, Lorri could tell that her energy was low. The thought of food, however, was worth the effort of staying awake. They exited the barracks, not seeing anyone else around, and walked a short distance to another building, one full of tables and benches.
    No one was eating, but Dean saw Lorri to a table and then went toward the galley. He wasn't long returning with a tray of food.
    The meal was simple fare, bread and meat with some dessert on the side. Lorri built a sandwich and took sips of the coffee her grandfather had brought her. She was about halfway done when they were joined by another officer.
    "This is Commander Tyler," Dean explained. "He's a doctor. I've asked him to examine you when you're done with your food."
    "I'm all right," Lorri wasted no time in saying, her eyes direct as they met those of the other man.
    Dean looked as if he would argue, but the doctor cut in.
    "I'm just going to take your pulse, listen to your heart, and ask you some questions."
    Lorri nodded, still not thrilled with the idea, but telling herself to be calm.
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    "If you want, we can even cover the questions right here."
    "All right," Lorri agreed. No one was around, and she didn't think he was going to get overly personal.
    "What day did you fly away from Carson Point?"
    "The first of June."
    "And what day did the PT crew find you?"
    Lorri didn't know. Her brow furrowed as she tried to remember.
    "Was it a week ago or a few days?" Dean prompted.
    Could she have been through all she'd been through with the lieutenant and his men in less than a week? Or was it longer?
    "A week, I think," Lorri guessed. "I'm not sure."
    "Okay." The doctor kept his voice casual. She had stopped eating to concentrate, and he didn't want that. "What did you eat on the island?"
    "Leaves and berries."
    The doctor had not been taking notes, but Lorri suddenly realized that he watched her very closely.
    "Why don't you just tell me what this is really about" Lorri said, not liking the way the interview was making her feel.
    "There is no hidden agenda here, Lorri." Her grandfather fielded this one. "You've been through an ordeal, and I'm concerned about you."
    "What does it matter how long I was on the boat?"
    "I'm trying to figure out how long you went without food," the doctor replied.
    "How did you know I went without food?"
    Dean could have kicked himself for allowing this conversation to go on here and not in the privacy of their room. His