Chapter 429
“I’ll talk to the head of the operation.”
to consult the people in charge.
essor
King thought about my suggestion and went
After 20 minutes, he returned. He told me that the head of the operation proposed we dig two tunnels from two directions. We would dig the tunnel that passed through the building entrance to save the ones trapped inside the classroom.
And if not all victims were there, we would slowly expand the area. The victims were only trapped for two days, and the mudslide wasn’t a serious one. There had to be survivors. Once we found out where the rest of the victims were, the operation would go even more smoothly.
One of the tunnels would connect the school entrance to the classroom door, while the other tunnel would connect the classroom’s backdoor and the toilet.
Now that we had a clear understanding of the rescue mission, the head of the operation said that we were making good progress. Everyone was in high spirits.
I noticed that many volunteers were residents of nearby villages. We came to save Colin while they came to save their home and family. We worked tirelessly.
I had never done heavy labor before. My limbs hurt so much that I couldn’t feel them anymore. However, I persevered. I steeled my will to power through. Whenever I thought I couldn’t continue anymore, the strong
the strong desire to save Colin lent me strength.
None of us spoke or complained. None of us gave up.
At around midnight, everyone was at their limit. The head of the operation asked us to stop working and eat something. He then told us to rest for three hours before we continued.
The people behind us when we entered the mountains served some canned food. The food was warm, and everyone was given a generous portion. Those who wanted more could go for seconds. The cutlery and tableware were gathered in one spot, free for anyone to help.
themselves.
It wasn’t the best place to enjoy the meal, but no one uttered a complaint. We sat on the makeshift beds made from wooden planks and regaled ourselves.
I was still worried about Colin, so I didn’t have any appetite. Before I came, I had thought that the situation wasn’t grim. But being at the scene proved how wrong I was. Yet, I was powerless
to change it.
I had never felt this useless before. Other than crying and being an anxious mess, all I could do
was clear sand with a shovel.
The clock continued to tick, and the digging progress was slow. I worried that I could not save
Colin.
“Eat something.” Felix brought a bowl of soup to me. “If you fall sick, you’ll burden everyone since we’ll need to look after you.”
What he said! made sense. I was a woman with a weak constitution. If I did not take care of myself and fell sick, I’d only add to everyone’s already full plate.
I forced myself to finish the bowl of soup. It warmed my body, and I felt invigorated. Then, I got up, ready to resume digging. However, Winston dragged me back.
sleeve while Felix’s right I turned around and glared at him. Winston’s left hand grabbed my hand froze in the air. It was too late to withdraw his limb. The men shot eye daggers at each other. It was a silent duel where no one was willing to back off.
From an outsider’s perspective, Winston won the battle. After all, he was grabbing my wrist. However, now was not the time to be self–obsessed even though these two men were vying for my attention. Colin’s safety was the only thing on my mind. I did not care about the rest.
“Let go of me. I need to work now.”
“No, you’re resting,” said both men unanimously. For once, the rivals saw eye to eye.
“Let go! I’m not tired!”
No, I was very tired. But I did not dare to take a break. What if Colin suffered even more because I took this break? What if this delay brought more danger to Colin? I’d never be able to forgive myself.
Both men cornered me, and I couldn’t break free. I struggled violently.