Finally I saw both of them. Two crumpled exhausted figures waiting to be rescued. I could see the light from the entrance to the cave and knew we weren't far.
"Virgil I'm here." I said stumbling over rocks to them.
"Scott. He isn't doing to well." Virgil's reply was weak and raspy.
"Virgil can you walk? I can carry Alan." I asked.
Virgil looked around and nodded his answer he then stood up unsteadily.
Once I knew Virgil was up and ready to go I bent down to get Alan. I soon saw that it wasn't going to be easy. Alan had banged his head up pretty good and I had no clue if he had a back injury.
I only took a second to think of all the things that might be wrong. Then I realized if I didn't get him out now what else could happen to him. My arms then wrapped around his limp figure and pick him up.
With his weight added to mine I knew I couldn't carry him long, so I started the hike again quickly. Virgil stumbled behind me, which made it a slower journey to the top.
When the first of the daylight hit my face I smiled. In my head we would all be alright now, warm and safe and living the good life. At the time I didn't know that things would just get harder.
"Scott!" My fathers' voice. It surrounded me and finally I knew we were safe.
He rushed over and Alan's body was taken from my arms. My legs gave out and I collapsed to the ground.
"Hold on Scott will get help." My father's voice now grew heavy but I clunk to it.
My head hurts and my eyes burn, they open and close to the bright light. My hand reaches up to cover my face. I feel the IV'S pulling my hand back towards machines. Taking a deep breath I calm myself to the fear that I'm caged in.
"Scott?" It's Gordon.
My eyes open and stay open this time.
"Hey buddy." My words are hard and jagged.
Gordon hears them and grabs a glass of water, which I take gratefully.
"Dad just went down for some coffee he should be back here in no time." Gordon then said.
"How long have I been out?" I ask.
"A couple of days." Gordon says and for the first time I see how tired he is.
"Gordon go to bed." I say and hear his muffled sob.
"Scott I don't want to lose you too." His tears roll down his cheeks and he brushes them away quickly.
"You won't lose me promise." I pause then ask, "How is Alan and Virgil?" Gordon shakes his head.
"Virgil has a couple broken ribs and a broken wrist. Alan isn't awake yet he got hit really hard on the head and won't wake up. The doctors say that we just need to give him time." Gordon looks over at the door and then quietly stands.
"Thanks Gordon." I say as he leaves and my father comes in.
"Nice to see you up." My father smirks but I can tell he is tired and has been crying.
