Kieran looked up sharply. "Everyone back." He shouted. Now, Catherine had just started to move when she saw it, a massive crack spreading across the tunnel ceiling directly above Kieran. Without thinking, she lunged forward, shoving him hard just as the rocks began to fall. Pain exploded in her shoulder as something struck her from behind.
She heard Kieran shout her name, then darkness swallowed her whole. Catherine drifted in and out of consciousness, aware of pain, movement, voices calling her name. She felt herself being carried, rain on her face, then warmth and the softness of a bed. Someone was holding her hand, speaking urgently, but she couldn't make out the words as darkness claimed her again. When she finally opened her eyes fully, sunlight was streaming through the cabin window.
Her shoulder and head throbbed with dull pain, and when she tried to move, a gentle hand restrained her. "Easy." Kieran's voice said from beside her. "You took a nasty hit." Catherine blinked, bringing his face into focus. He looked terrible unshaven, eyes red rimmed with exhaustion, clothes still dirty from the mine. "The miners." She croaked, her throat dry.
"Safe." Kieran assured her, helping her take a sip of water. Peters and Gonzales are both recovering. Thanks to you, no one was killed. Memory returned in flashes, the storm, the cave-in, the cracking ceiling. You could have been crushed, she murmured.
Instead, you nearly were, Kieran replied, his voice tight with emotion. Catherine, what were you thinking? You could have died. I wasn't thinking, she admitted. I just couldn't bear the thought of losing you.
The words hung between them, raw and honest. Kieran's expression softened, his hand tightening around hers. Doctor Wells says you have a concussion and a badly bruised shoulder, but nothing's broken, he said after a moment. He came up from town as soon as the storm cleared. How long have I been unconscious?
Most of the night, Kieran said. It's Monday morning now. Catherine tried to sit up, wincing at the pain. The mine is closed until we can properly assess the damage, Kieran said firmly. Bailey's organizing repairs, but your health comes first.
I need to You need to rest, Kieran interrupted. Doctor's orders and mine. Something in his voice, a mixture of authority and concern, made Catherine subside against the pillows. You stayed with me all night. Of course I did, Kieran said softly.