http://slow.writerscafe.org/asteig86 The original writings of author A. Steig en-us Copyright 2026 WritersCafe.org 1776028676 WritersCafe.org RSS Generator 15 We woke to a cold drizzle, the clouds above swollen and ominous. The wind was aggressive and nipped hard at our skin, making it seem even colder. Kelsey wouldn't look at me after she'd come back from using the bathroom, opting instead to grab the can and go hunting berries. I let her brood, figuring.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/asteig86/957841/ "No luck with the snares." I called to Kelsey as I walked out of the brush later that evening. "Got a couple decent size frogs though!" I held out the little carcasses proudly for her to see. "You know, I never thought I'd be so happy at the prospect of eating dead amphibians." She beamed at me from.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/asteig86/957405/ "Mauston?"I had my back to her, granting her privacy as she changed out of her dirty clothes. I was planning to take our laundry down to the stream for a good rinsing since the weather wasn't too bad. "Yeah?" "Um. I think I need help." I could hear the embarrassment in her voice, mingled with just a.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/asteig86/957018/ The next week passed slowly. I put a new splint on Kelsey's leg, making sure it was as secure as possible so I wouldn't have to make her go through the pain a third time. She'd cried a lot and I'd felt like an a*s for hurting her, but in the end I think we were both glad that it was done. It would a.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/asteig86/955243/ I had fallen asleep right about the same time I'd laid my head down, and slept right on through until a low humming noise pulled me out of it. Even in the throes of sleep, it seemed my subconscious knew well enough to alert me to that noise: a plane! I sat up quickly, forgetting about my injured rib.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/asteig86/954696/ Mauston worked over the course of the next hour gathering wood from the forest, and exploring our surroundings. The process was slow, with me unable to help and the fact that he had to take frequent breaks or risk badgering his broken ribs and battered muscles. I had never felt quite so help.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/asteig86/953107/ The hours that followed were spent in a haze of nightmarish dreams broken only by breif and feverish periods of consciousness. I was not aware of anything besides the incapacitating pain that held me captive. Trying to break free of it was like trying to surface from some great black wave th.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/asteig86/953106/ Things happened very quickly following Mauston's ominous announcement, though it felt like they unfolded in slow motion. My chest felt constricted as panic consumed me completely, making even breathing a laborious task. I could see the tops of trees distinctly, and each passing second brough.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/asteig86/953105/ My legs were like jello as I boarded the small plane. I had felt unsafe boarding the jet back in Knoxville...boarding Mauston's little charter plane felt like I was entering my own coffin. I couldn't understand how something so small was even capable of handling the turbulence of the air, bu.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/asteig86/953104/ I was just about to hit redial when it suddenly began to vibrate in my hand. "It took you long enough!" I didn't even bother with a greeting. Ben sounded like he was smiling a little on the other end of the line. "Sorry Kelsey. I didn't think it'd take that long." I heard Maggie telling h.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/asteig86/953103/ I must have dozed off after my second drink, because I was startled awake by the feel of the plane's tires touching down on the ground. I let out a muffled sound before I realized what was happening. We were on the ground! Back on the sweet, safe ground! I shoved my laptop back in my carry .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/asteig86/953102/ "Kelsey?" My little sister's voice was watery at the other end of the line, and I could picture her dabbing her big, almond shaped eyes daintily with a tissue. Maggie can even make crying look beautiful."What's wrong, Mag?" I asked, cradling my cell phone between my ear and shoulder as I ran.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/asteig86/953101/ Kelsey Rivers is forced to face her fear of flying when her father suffers a stroke. Her worst nightmare comes true when her charter plane goes down. Can she and her sexy pilot survive the odds? http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/asteig86/953099/