Finally, the man pointed down the ravine. When Ben turned, his eyes opened wide as he saw a flash of dark green fabric tangled in a tree limb. Squinting, he made out the form of a tiny figure fighting against the current in the churning creek. His heart pounded in his chest as realization hit him.It was a woman!
Digging his boots into the muddy earth for leverage, Ben raced towards her, completely forgetting about the goats. Each step down the steep, slick embankment was a battle against gravity and his own fear.
Muddy water splattered on his clothes and skin as he slid closer to the raging creek below. The woman’s distant cries for help grew louder and more desperate, and his heart hammered faster in his chest.
The scent of mud and wet earth filled Ben’s nostrils as he raced towards the edge of the creek, the sharp tang of adrenaline and fear hanging in the air. With a jolt of recognition, he realized he knew the woman caught in the powerful water, her hands grasping onto a low branch for dear life.
“Bethany?” His face contorted in disbelief, worry etched deep into his features. His eyes followed her as she grew weaker, her complexion paling before his eyes. Fear for her well-being filled his heart as he watched helplessly.
Nothing could have prepared him for the sight of seeing her fighting for her life against the relentless onslaught of nature. “Oh, Lord!” he prayed over the roaring wind. “Please let her hold on until I reach her.” He continued to plead as he scanned the area wildly for something—anything to pull her from the water.
Swallowing hard, Ben pulled off his heavy coat, tossing it aside on higher ground. Every second mattered now. He knew that. Steeling himself against the biting cold, the icy rain lashing against his bare arms, he paced by the edge of the creek, figuring out the best way to reach her.
“Ben,” she called to him. “Help me!” Bethany struggled against the current, her grip slipping on the branch she clung to. The raging water splashed over her, her features pale with fear.
Without sparing another thought, he waded into the furious current, his muscular legs pushing against the force of the water. His boots sunk into the muddy banks, slowing his progress as the current rushed against him, threatening to sweep him off his feet and carry him into the channel. He gritted his teeth against the cold, focusing on Bethany ahead of him.
“Bethany!” he called over the sound of the rushing water. “Hold on!”
He could see her struggling to keep her grip on the branch,her knuckles white against the bark. Her green eyes were wide with terror as she glanced back at him. He pushed against the water, determination bolstering his strength. He braced himself against the tree trunk and worked his way closer to her.
“Benjamin.” Her voice was barely audible. “I can’t hold on.”
“I’m coming, honey.” His eyes looked around at the branches. Rocking one of the large branches to make sure it would hold his weight. He leaned over it and reached his hand out to her. “Grab my hand, Beth.” She didn’t move. He could see the tension in every muscle that was above the water as she tried to control her fear.
“I-I can’t.” Her teeth were chattering.
He needed to get her out now.
“Reach out your hand.” His powerful arms cut through the icy waters as he leaned even further, grasping onto the branch with a firmer hold to avoid plunging into the frigid water below. “I’ve got you.”
Bethany nodded and stretched out her trembling arm, her fingers barely grazing his as the current threatened to pull them apart. With an unseen burst of energy, she reached out and grabbed onto him, their hands intertwining in a desperate embrace. The water swirled around them, but Benjamin held on tightly as he pulled her closer to him.
With a last surge of strength, he yanked Bethany from the water’s clutches. Her stiff body slammed against his, sending them both tumbling back onto the muddy shoreline. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight against his chest.
“B-Benj...” she stuttered, her teeth chattering audibly now. Her limbs were shaking uncontrollably, and her skin was as pale as the winter snow.
“Shh. You’re safe now.” Ben spoke softly, his voice filled with a mixture of relief and concern. His heart pounded wildly against his chest as he scanned her body for injuries. Her fingers were cut and bleeding, her long brown hair was tangled and muddy, and her clothes soaked to the point of weighing her down. But she was alive. She had survived.
He gently pulled off her rain-soaked jacket, revealing the shivering figure underneath. Without hesitation, he retrieved the jacket he had tossed aside before venturing into the rushing water and wrapped it around her, trying to shield her from the biting cold. Cradling her against his chest, he used all his strength to lift her up carefully as he rolled back on his heels.
Ben pulled Bethany closer to him, feeling the cold mud clinging to her hair and soaking through his shirt. He turned to see the man still standing on the other side of the rushing river, looking worried.
“I’ll bring her back when the weather clears,” Ben yelled, uncertain if the man could hear him over the roaring water. The man yelled something in return before turning his horse around and galloping into the woods. Ben adjusted Bethany in his arms to retrieve her wet jacket and began making his way back to the house.
“Ben,” Bethany’s voice was weak, barely above a whisper. Her eyes drooped with exhaustion, and she leaned heavily against him. “Thank you.”
“We need to get you warmed up,” he said firmly, carrying her towards the safety of the house.
Bethany’s eyes were fluttering closed, her body weary from the cold and the ordeal. “Please,” she murmured, barely audible. “Tommy... is he safe?”
“Tommy?” Ben frowned at her mention of her brother.Whatwas Tommy doing out here?
As they made their way back, Bethany’s eyes closed, and she passed out in his arms.
With a sense of urgency, Ben hurried back towards the house, focused on getting her inside by the fire to warm up.
Chapter Five
