Page 92 of Hopelessly Wild


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Samuel bows his head momentarily before meeting Asoo’s wary gaze. “I’ll keep away from towns and stay close to the river. My map will guide us.”

Asoo shakes his head as he reaches down to his pocket, pulls out his phone, and hands it to Samuel.

Samuel types a message to Eden. With every word typed, he endeavors to remain positive as he knows she’ll consider his journey a death wish.

He can’t help thinking she’s right.

He hands the phone back to Asoo. “Send it when you’re in Canaima.”

“Miss Eden will be sad.”

“And I’ll need you to reassure her I’ll be fine.” Before Asoo replies, Samuel hugs him and pats his back several times. “Thank you, my friend. You have helped me more than I can ever repay. One day we will meet again.”

When they break, Asoo wipes his eyes filled with fear. “I’ll tell Miss Eden you a good man.”

Samuel smiles and bows his head, hoping she sees it that way.

Asoo and Samuel strain to push the curiara from the riverbank into the water. Asoo turns and gives his friend one final salute before revving the motor and guiding his curiara to safety.

Samuel drops to one knee as the sound of the motor fades as it reaches the bend in the river. He bows his head when Asoo disappears behind the thick, overgrowth overhanging into the murky water.

Samuel’s demeanor cracks. Asoo will not return here for weeks. Realization sets in. His chest burns as though a knife has ripped down his sternum and someone has pried his ribs apart.

Alone, the tears come and blot the sand beneath his feet. He allows himself this moment until he can breathe again without pain.

A roar of a motor in the opposite direction catches his attention. The intruder’s boat is alight as it sails across the river. It explodes into a fireball before reaching the trees on the opposite side. Smoke billows toward the sky, a tell-tale sign to anyone searching for the men.

Samuel pushes to his feet.

He’ll stress the urgency to move on to the chief before more men come searching. He sprints in the direction of the village for possibly the last time. The next path Samuel treads is toward the stream and deeper into the jungle.

Deeper and away from any form of civilization.

And.

Eden.

37

EDEN

Wheeling my case behind me and holding Rose in my other arm, I exit through the customs gate in Adelaide with the other passengers. Peering through the glass barrier, I spot Mum and Dad chatting to each other. To Dad’s left is Faith. She is holding James in her arms, and she’s distracted by Seb running around.

“Eden,” Mum screams as I exit through customs. She pushes past a young couple in front of her and rushes toward the arrival gate. “Oh, darling.” She wraps one arm around me despite the grumbling of those travelers behind us trying to exit and meet their families.

“It’s great to be home,” I tell her and move aside so people can pass us.

“My girl.” Dad hugs me.

“Hi, Dad.” We exchange brief smiles before their focus switches to Rose.

“Oh, Eden,” Mum coos. “She’s just delightful.”

“Hey,” Faith says, pushing past Mum. “Let me give her a hug.” With her free hand, she embraces me.

I kiss her cheek and then kiss James. “Where’s the rascal?”

Faith stops James from poking a finger at Rose’s cheek, and while holding his tiny hand, she swivels and calls out to her son.

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