Amelia Wright was on the mountainside, already so exhausted she was close to collapsing.
The phone rang, and although her hand was shaking from breathing so heavily, she still reached for the phone.
Her phone was set to Do Not Disturb mode, so calls couldn't come through, except from the only person on her whitelist, Emily Allen.
Amelia was afraid Emily wouldn't be able to find her.
Emily got through on the phone: "Auntie, where did you go? It's almost dark, when will you be back?"
Amelia, gasping, replied gently, "Uncle Elijah took me mountain climbing, I'll be back tomorrow morning. Be a good girl and go to bed early, let Hailey Smith take you to kindergarten tomorrow."
Emily responded obediently, "Okay, Auntie, have fun, don't worry about me."
It was rare for Auntie to go out and have fun, and Emily was quite happy.
He was still too young, and he hoped he'd grow up quickly, so he could protect Auntie someday.
Amelia hung up the phone, still breathing heavily.
