Theme 10: Breath Again

Theme 10: Breath Again

He ploughed through the undergrowth as fast as his injured body would let him. He could feel warm blood slowly trickling down the left side of his face, his shoulder felt like someone was drilling nails into it and he kept stumbling over his own two feet. In spite of this, he ignored the pain and continued charging through the forest.

There was a niggling feeling in the back of his mind that told him he needed to reach her quickly. No, it was more than just a feeling. It was certainty.

He crashed unceremoniously into the clearing, almost falling flat on his face as he tripped over his tangled ankles. The sudden interruption caused the… creature to glance up, startled, before scrambling into the bushes like a rat before he could even get a glimpse of its face.

It didn’t matter. Not now.

He attempted to struggle to his feet, teetering like a child learning to walk. It seemed that his determination was the only thing that kept him standing as he staggered across the uneven ground, tripping over anything in his way. He could see her now, face down in the river. Oh God…

His pace quickened. Nothing else mattered now.

The icy stream stung the open wounds on his leg as he waded in to retrieve her. She felt as limp as a piece of cloth, her eyes half closed and rolled back. Please… don’t let me be too late.

He was careful in how he carried her lifeless body, following every procedure he had learnt. He felt almost life was in slow motion as he laid her carefully on the bank, tilting her head back.

He began the compressions, counting carefully, watching his pressure like a hawk.

Now for the awkward part. He inhaled deeply, opened her mouth, sealing his lips over hers. Slow and steady, don’t rush.

He pulled back, studying her lifeless frame for any movement. Nothing.

Never give up.

Determination boiling, he began compressions again. One… two… three…

He kept his eyes trained on her face the whole time. Please… please come back…

She sputtered suddenly, causing him to pull back immediately, and roll her onto her side. Yes, yes!

Gasping words of encouragement, he kept one paw-like hand on her cheek, whilst the other holding her convulsing body steady. Slowly, her eyes regained the life he feared had left forever.

He had made her breath again.