Going Home

Part 54

Finally Josh looked up and saw Grace beginning the decent. Hoping to God someone competent had control of the ropes he watched as she slowly made her way down.

Robert was also watching Grace descend the cliff from above. He knew she was trained to do these things just like Josh but knowing and seeing were two different things. She looked so small climbing down the cliff face. He really liked Grace, she seemed perfect for Josh. She was intelligent and caring but she was also calm and competent and from what he’d seen she wasn’t intimidated by him in a way he imagined some people would be. Robert was glad Josh had found someone so lovely to share his life with.

Minutes later Josh was relieved as he helped Grace out of the harness and released the rope for the stretcher, spinal board and brace to be lowered. As Josh waited for the equipment Grace walked over to Maddie. Crouching down she smiled at the little girl “hi I’m Grace, has Josh been looking after you?”

Turning his head at the question Josh frowned at her.

Giving him a cheeky smile Grace looked back at Maddie, “we’re going to have you out of here in just a minute.” Then looking back at Josh, Grace watched as he took the rope off the stretcher and spinal board. Bringing them over to Grace he looked at her “ready?” Nodding, Grace took the neck brace from him and turning back to Maddie fitted the brace around her neck chatting to her all the while to keep her relaxed. Then they put the spinal board under the girl and lifted her with care onto the stretcher. Carrying the stretcher over to the ropes Josh attached it and called up to the top “okay we’re all set here.

Robert waved that he had heard and said “right Josh.”

Looking at Maddie, Josh asked “you ready?”

Fear was visible in Maddie’s eyes but showing she had guts she said “I think so.”

Seeing her uncertainty Josh said “don’t worry they’ll pull you up carefully, just stay still.”

Stepping back Josh called “okay just take it slow.”

The stretcher began its ascent back up the cliff and as they watched from below Josh reached out and pulled Grace close. He kissed her head.

Wrapping her arms around him Grace closed her eyes and took a deep breath, glad that it was a good outcome.