Pete, I talked to Catherine.
Now that's big news! So?
She was completely blindsided—just like me.
But she didn't fall into your arms?
Nope. Too bad. I shouldn't have hoped for that anyway.
Actually, yeah, that was the moment.
Why do you say that? Did something happen with Stephane?
She didn't tell you anything?
No. She was going to meet him right after our walk—they were going to the movies.
The movies? You're kidding me?
No—why? You know, couples go to the movies, it happens.
No way… she didn't do that???
What? Do what? Go to the movies, it's not the end of the world! Peter, what's going on?
Nothing. Now I'm pissed at her.
Are you going to tell me what's going on?
She… I mean… he… they had a big fight last week, she came crying in my arms, and I thought that would be enough for it to stop, that's all.
Apparently not—it must not have been that serious. Too bad…
Yeah. Really too bad.
*****************
Elisabeth, come in—what's going on? You look terrified.
Catherine went out riding late this morning and she hasn't come back. I thought she was just at the riding center taking care of the horses, but when I called them, they told me she had gone out alone for a ride.
With that rainstorm coming in?
What? In this awful weather, she's out there?
Yes, Marc. She wanted to be alone, to think—she's been strange lately. But I'm really worried. Do you think I should call for help?
It's my fault.
Marc, why would you say that, sweetheart?
I talked to her the day before yesterday. I confessed my feelings to her and I told her that everyone already knew: you, Peter, Stephane.
And how did she react?
She was really surprised. But I had the feeling she was also somehow relieved to finally have an explanation for everything that's happened these past weeks: our arguments, the fight with Stephane…
Ah, that must be why she's seemed kind of empty-eyed since she got back—like she's somewhere else.
I'm going to her. I'm going to find her.
Marc, no—we're calling the police.
Mom, I know the paths she usually takes, especially when she's not feeling well—she always goes to the same place. I'll be faster on horseback. They'll come by car, they won't get through. I've got my phone—I'll call you as soon as I find her.
Okay. I'll pack you a bag with food, flashlights, emergency blankets. I'll grab the first-aid kit. You never know.
*****************
Catherine, what happened? Cathy, open your eyes, talk to me please.
I fell.
How long ago did you fall? Did you lose consciousness?
I don't know.
Cathy, stay with me please. You're soaked, we need to get to shelter. Can you walk?
No, I'm in pain.
Where exactly does it hurt? You're bleeding a little on the head but that's nothing. On the other hand, you're burning up. What happened? Where's your horse?
Scared of the noise.
Oh shit… that's why you fell. I'm going to put you on mine and we're heading to the hunting cabin. We can't stay under the trees with this storm, it's way too dangerous.
Mom, can you hear me? Hello?? I'm with Catherine, we're heading to the hunting cabin to take shelter. Can you hear me?? We've only got one horse—I'll explain later. We'll come back as soon as we can get out again. Call Elisabeth, please. Mom? Did you hear me?
How did you find me? I was so scared.
Hold on to me, I'll explain later. For now, we have to get out of here or we're going to get struck by lightning.
I was so scared, you have no idea. I thought I was dreaming when I heard your voice.
Cathy, I'm here with you, I found you. Try to focus for a few minutes. Do you think you're injured?
Hurts… hurts everywhere…
We can't stay here or you could catch something really serious… We're going to have to move.
… I'm cold…
Yeah, I know you're cold, that's why we have to leave this place. You remember the hunting cabin? I might be able to make a fire to warm you up while we wait until we can leave again. Cathy, can you hear me?
…
*********************
Cathy, we're here, it's okay now. Come into my arms, I'll carry you inside so we can warm you up.
So tired…
Yeah, I know. You'll be able to sleep a bit before we leave again, there's a camp bed. Wait—here, you'll be better here. I'm going to make a fire, okay?
…
There. Look at that nice fire—for once I got it right on the first try, and you won't even remember it. Just my luck! I'm pulling you closer so you can warm up. Can you feel it?
I was all alone…
Yeah, I know. Your mom came over to our place and I decided to go looking for you, since I know all the spots you usually go to. When I saw your horse galloping in the distance, I knew something had happened and I called out to you. It was dangerous to go out in this weather. There's no signal here either, I can't warn anyone.
I'm so cold…
Listen, Cathy, you need to take off your clothes so I can dry them—you'll warm up faster if you're not stuck in soaked clothes. And you're going to wrap up in the emergency blanket I brought.
…
Cathy, try to move, please. Take off your jeans—they'll never dry otherwise.
I can't, it's too hard. My head hurts.
I took off your sneakers—try again, please. Or at least your shirt.
I can't.
Cathy, you can't stay like this… can I… take off your jeans?
Yes.
Okay, I'm going to dry them, but already you should be less cold without them stuck to your skin.
My shirt…
Yes, take it off too. It'll dry quickly, you can put it back on soon. Stay under the blanket.
I can't sit up…
Okay, I'll help you. And I'm going to dry my clothes too—that'll be safer.
I'm cold…
Try to sleep a little, it'll pass faster. I'll wake you as soon as we can leave. The fire is going to warm you up.
I can't, I'm too cold.
Can you feel the heat from the fire?
I can't stop shaking.
That's probably also the shock from your fall. Alright, listen… would you like me to lie down next to you and hold you in my arms to keep you warm? Do you remember when we used to do that when we were little so the zombies wouldn't take us?
Yes, I liked that.
There. I'm here with you. Now you're going to warm up quickly. Try to sleep, it'll do you good. Do you still hurt all over?
Like I worked out.
Okay, that's probably just the fever, that's all. Come on, sleep—you're safe now, I'm here, I'll take care of everything. As soon as the storm passes, we'll leave.
Marc…
Yes?
I was hoping you'd come…