Chapter 364

I found a sturdy stick to use as a crutch and hoisted his heavy frame onto my shoulders. I tied his uninjured waist to mine with my clothing, securing us together. The rain drizzled on, and each step on the uneven mountain trail felt like torture. My stomach ached with every movement, and the cold seeped into my bones, making me shiver uncontrollably. I felt so sick I wanted to throw up. But I couldn’t stop. I didn’t dare stop. Despite the freezing rain soaking me through, sweat poured down my face. Suddenly, I caught a faint sound. Pausing with my makeshift crutch, I called out, “Ronald Wright, are you awake?” The voice from my back was faint, barely audible. I had to strain to make out his words. “Don’t… worry about me…” “You’re awake! That’s great! You have to hold on, don’t fall asleep!” I laughed, though my chest was heaving under the strain. The weight on my back felt like an entire mountain pressing down on me. My lips bled from how hard I’d bitten them, but my eyes stayed resol