Free Mayday at Two Thousand Five Hundred by Frank Peretti Page A

lie to you. When the plane hits the water, it’ll be a rough landing. It might flip over and you’ll be upside down. You’re going to get wet, because the cabin is going to fill up with water. You’re going to have to unbuckle yourself, get the door open, and swim out of there, and fast, because the airplane is going to sink. Do you have the strength to do that?”
    Jay sat up straight and stretched a little. His arms were working, and so were his legs. He still couldn’t see, but his mind felt surprisingly clear. “If God will help me, I think I can do it.”
    He could sense a warmth in his father’s voice when Dr. Cooper said, “Well, God has certainly helped you up to this point. I believe we can trust Him for the rest.”
    Then Jay reached over and felt his uncle’s limp hand. It was still warm, and there was still a pulse.
    â€œWhat about Uncle Rex?”
    Dr. Cooper and Brock exchanged a look.
    â€œUh, we’ll get to that, son. It’ll be kind of tricky.” There was a moment of dead air. “Uh, Jay?”
    â€œHe might die, huh?”
    That question came abruptly. Dr. Cooper swallowed. The same question had been at the forefront of his mind since all this started, but he kept pushing it aside. Now Jay was bringing it right out in the open. “Son, this is a serious situation involving an overwhelming degree of risk. By God’s grace you’ll survive, but . . . yes, there’s a good chance things won’t work out the way we wish.”
    Jay came back, “Well, I just wanted you to know I was thinking about it. Sitting here in this airplane with no eyes, you start thinking about stuff like that.”
    â€œYeah, that’s for sure. I’ve been thinking about it too.” Dr. Cooper searched his own heart for the faith he’d always taught his kids to have. It was still there, but he knew it was being challenged this day. “I guess we’re in a real trust-God situation, aren’t we?”
    â€œOh yeah. But He knows what’s best. We just have to put ourselves in His hands and let Him take it where He wants to take it. Uncle Rex and I are ready, I know that.”
    Dr. Cooper felt close to tears. “I’m proud of you, son.”
    Jay couldn’t believe what he was saying and how calm he felt about it all, and yet it was true. He was only fourteen, but he’d faced death and walked with God enough to know who was really in charge and who controlled the outcome of situations like this. As he told his Dad, sitting in this airplane without sight, it was only natural to confront the whole issue and get it settled.
    â€œWell, I love you, Dad. Always have.”
    â€œAnd I love you too, son.”
    â€œTell Lila I love her.”
    â€œYou can tell her yourself. I’m sure she’s listening to our radio transmissions.”
    â€œI love you, Lila.”
    In the tower lounge, Lila broke into tears. “I love you too, Jay.” Suddenly, Johnny Adair reached through the crowd and handed Lila a handheld radio. She took it, swallowed back her tears, and spoke it again, “I love you, Jay.”
    â€œHi, Sis!” he replied. The joy in his voice was obvious. “How you doing?”
    â€œOh, just great!” she replied. “Guess you’ll be going swimming today.”
    â€œThat’s what I hear.”
    â€œWe’re all praying for you.”
    â€œWell . . . then I can’t lose, can I? Is Aunt Joyce there?”
    Lila handed the radio to Joyce, and Joyce said, “Hello, Jay. This is Aunt Joyce.”
    â€œAunt Joyce.” Jay’s voice wavered with emotion as he told her, “We’re going to be all right, both me and Uncle Rex. Don’t you worry.”
    Joyce’s eyes welled up with tears. “Just do your best, Jay. Land it gently, and we’ll see you both real soon.”
    â€œSee you.”
    Joyce was just about to hand the radio back to