Going Home

Part 55

As soon as Maddie was up, the rope was lowered again and looking at Grace Josh said “okay your turn.”

Smiling Grace got back into the harness with some help from Josh then began the ascent back up the cliff. Slower than the downward journey, Grace still made good time back up to the top and finally it was Josh’s turn. Getting into the harness Josh thought back over the last couple of days. So much had happened since they had arrived. Some of it hadn’t really sunk in yet but one thing he was sure of is he was glad he’d come. Climbing back to the top Josh wondered what his relationship with his parents would be like in the future. At least now if someone asked about them he’d have an answer. Up until then he’d avoided questions about his family.

Robert thoughts, as he watched Josh climb back up the cliff, were also on recent events and what the future will hold for all of them. Grace was once again in charge of the ropes and Robert was happy just to watch as Josh made his way back up.

As he reaches the top Josh was surprised at the number of people present, the ambulance had left but there must have been ten people gathered together. Looking a question at Grace, she shrugged and smiled. Then folding the blanket they used for Maddie she headed over to the farm vehicle.  

Standing off to the side retrieving his ropes Josh glanced at those that had gathered and watched as a man broke away from the group and walked in his direction.

Putting out his hand the man introduced himself “I’m Glen, Maddie’s father.

Shaking his hand Josh repeated the introduction “Josh.”

“Yes I know Robert told me” Glen said. “My wife has gone in the ambulance but I wanted to wait to thank you for finding Maddie and helping her. I don’t know what would have happened if you hadn’t been here visiting.”

Never good at taking compliments Josh looked back at the rope he was coiling and played down his role, “no worries” he said “someone would have found her.”

But Maddie’s father wasn’t convinced and shaking his head he said “I don’t think so, so thanks for what you did, we’ll always be grateful.”

Looking up again Josh said “no problem, I hope she’ll be okay.”