Chapter 7 -- Lost in the Dark
Gabriel was enjoying spending time with the kids outside. Their innocent joy and laughter brought a smile to his face and warmed his heart. He loved kids immensely. He hoped that one day to have a family of his own with at least three or four kids. He wanted to have a huge family so if anything were to happen to him, he knew they would never feel such loneliness as he had felt when he lost his mother. These were the thoughts that came to mind as he watched Kyle's family and especially Caitlyn.
Just thinking of her caused him to pause and look around and see where she was. Looking towards the woods that surrounded her parent's home, he saw a glimpse of her before she disappeared completely. He wanted to follow her and be alone with her, but he figured she needed alone time away from everyone, including himself. So he waited for her return. After awhile though, he started to worry. He extricated himself from the family and after nodding at Sam, who saw him move, he walked briskly in the direction Caitlyn had taken. He could see her footsteps in the snow covered ground and followed them as they meandered around. At a break in the trees, he saw her. Even though he didn't call out, she looked up at his approach. He watched as she rose to greet him. His joy turned to horror as he watched helplessly as she fell. Rushing towards her, he was too late to catch her.
He fell next to her and immediately felt for a pulse. Upon finding one, he took deep breaths to calm himself. Calling her name, and gently stroking her face, he tried to get a response from her. He started shaking when he saw blood seeping into the ground underneath her head. He reacted. He took off one of his gloves to use as a bandage. He pressed gently while maneuvering to move her. Cradling her head carefully, he picked her up in his arms and dashed as fast as he was able to back to the house.
Joseph saw Gabriel break free from the trees in a panic. He shouted for the others when he realized Caitlyn was hurt. As pandemonium broke out, their father's booming shout of authority had everyone freezing in their steps. "Everyone calm down. Kids, go with grandma and Auntie Sam inside," he said gently to them. He watched them herd the kids indoors and then turned to the others. Moving swiftly to Gabriel's side, he started issuing orders. "Kyle, you and Brandon go inside and clear off the kitchen table. Get blankets and towels. Angie, go get your EMT kit out of the car. Joseph, come help me get her inside," he finished.
As they swiftly moved in unison to get Caitlyn inside, Gabriel told her father and brother what had happened. Placing her gently on the table, they moved to get her wet boots and outer garments off. Angie quickly reappeared and took charge as she had medical training. Whatever she asked or said was quickly acted on. "She has a nasty scalp wound that needs to be stitched up. What is more serious is her being unconscious," she said quietly to everyone. Looking at their dad, she said seriously, "We need to get her to a hospital. I can't stitch her here and if she has head trauma..."
