Free The Alaskan Rescue by Dominique Burton Page B

to tell her. “What was the question?”
    “He asked me how come he was still alive when they’re all
dead?”
    Sashi reached for Cole’s hand and squeezed it. “How did the
family die?”
    “I believe they were all in a car accident. But the real
question here is how come he’s still alive?”
    Sashi’s eyes watered. “I don’t know.”
    “I was baffled, too. I went and asked a dear friend and
colleague of mine the same question. You know what he said?”
    Sashi just blinked.
    “He said, ‘Ah! The young man hasn’t yet figured out the joy
that he’s still alive!’”
    “I get it,” Sashi said, her voice cracking. “You want me to
find joy in why I’m alive.”
    “Yes.”
    Sashi couldn’t speak for a moment. At last she asked, “How did
Kendra die?”
    “The bear killed her, probably at the very moment you were able
to escape into the cave,” Cole answered.
    Sashi couldn’t stop her gut-wrenching cry. She reached out to
Cole and his arms drew her into an embrace. She sobbed on his shoulder. He held
her tenderly, saying nothing more. He just gave her tissues and rocked her
gently.
    When Sashi was finally able to speak again, she didn’t dare
move from her cocoon. “How long was I asleep here?”
    Dr. Samuelson answered. “Eight days.”
    “How could I have been out for so long?” she mumbled against
Cole’s sleeve.
    “You had a cut on your back that got infected,” Cole replied.
“It was touch and go for a while. I blame myself for not checking you out
better. I’m sorry I didn’t do a thorough job of taking care of you.” His voice
sounded shaky.
    Sashi looked up from his loving embrace and saw his pain. “Why
are you apologizing to me? You saved my life. Don’t ever apologize to me again.
I don’t think I even recall getting a cut on my back. My leg and arm hurt so
badly, I don’t remember feeling pain there.”
    “It doesn’t matter. I should’ve been more meticulous.”
    “Stop it. You saved my life. You were the angel who came and
rescued me.” She reached up and touched his face. Their eyes met and she almost
kissed him, but Cole started to ease himself away. She felt a little wounded by
his retreat.
    “A lot has happened while you’ve been asleep,” he said.
    “Tell me.”
    “Well, the Knights are taking care of all your medical
expenses.”
    “That sounds like something they would do.” A sob escaped. “I
just can’t believe Kendra’s gone.”
    Dr. Samuelson stepped in. “Sashi, we’re going to leave now. You
need rest. And I think it would be a good idea to call your mom. You should talk
to her.”
    Cole reached down and handed Sashi the blanket. “Your family
sent you this to remind you of home. I’ve heard that they’ve called hourly, just
waiting for you to come around. They wanted you to phone them as soon as you
did.”
    “I will.” She stared at Cole. “I need to thank the Knights for
all their help, but I don’t know how I can talk to them after what’s happened to
Kendra.”
    “You have to remember that you lived,” Dr. Samuelson
interjected. “You tried to save their daughter. People don’t give their money
away freely. They must love you dearly. This is a gift. You need to start seeing
your survival as a second chance at life. As soon as you’re well enough I’m
going to have you come to group therapy to begin the healing process and deal
with your feelings of guilt.”
    “But how...?”
    “One hour, one day at a time.”
    Sashi wondered how she could ever be a whole person again after
losing her best friend. And what did it all mean for her and Cole? Would he ever
feel for her the same way? Or was he going to just be a doctor to her now?

Chapter Five
    Cole eyed her with concern. “Just so you know, my
friend Jake, who’s the head ranger, and another buddy of mine, Trace Hunter, the
captain of the Alaska State Troopers, tracked the bear and put it down. The cubs
have been taken to a zoo in Canada. I hope that will bring you some