Children in the Dark
AINSLEY:
“Back home. It’s a bit of a long drive.” Eyeing, him, she made up her mind. “We can stop for food, and I can take you where you want to go, if you’d prefer something other than a strange woman’s guest bedroom.”
Most people would think the offer was insane. Ainsley wasn’t worried. She’d already hit her lowest point many years back. There was nothing left to be afraid of.
She unlocked the doors and opened the passenger side for him, then climbed inside herself and fired up the engine. It was a welcome relief to feel warm air blowing at her again. Say what you will about being used to Scottish winters, no one was ever perfectly content in snow and biting wind.
“You going to be alright?”
This woman had saved him from the labyrinth that was made of the abandoned mine, was willing to get him off the mountain and was also willing to put up with him, offering food and warmth. At this point, he didn’t believe there was anything he could to to properly convey how much he appreciated each thing she did for him. They were strangers, only just met, but she’d saved his life and could give him the start to a new one.
Josh crawled into the passenger side like an injured animal, metaphoric tail between his legs. The warm air was an instant comfort, making him feel almost human again. Almost. Arms wrapped around his torso, trying to hold in any heat that managed to make its way in.
“Maybe. But this is a good start.”
