Part 30 (2/2)

Annja frowned. ”I can't feel anything down there.”

Jenny shook her head. ”That doesn't mean anything. You could have no circulation right now. Sort of a pins-and-needles thing, you know? Once David gets the truck off you, we'll be in a better position to see the extent of the damage.”

Annja nodded.

The darkness had vanished.

She heard movement around her and opened her eyes again. David smiled at her. ”Hey.”

”Hey, yourself.”

”Found the jack. I'm going to try to get this rig off you. Don't try to move until I tell Jenny to start pulling, okay? I want to make sure you're all...connected down there before we try to move you. Understand?”

”Yeah.”

David nodded. ”Good. Just stay with me while I do this and we'll have you out in no time flat.”

Jenny came around and took Annja's hands in hers. ”I think I'll just hold on to your hands here in case I need to tug you out fast.”

Annja smiled and looked around. ”We're not still on the road?”

”Partially. We're also on the dirt.”

Annja frowned. ”Where's he setting up the jack?”

”On the asphalt,” David called out. ”Don't worry. It wouldn't do you much good if I set it up on the dirt and gravel, would it?”

Annja smiled. ”Guess not.”

”Here we go.”

Annja closed her eyes and let the gray mist envelop her. She calmed herself down and relaxed her breathing even as she heard David start cranking the jack. She wondered if there would be a sudden onslaught of pain once the truck was lifted. Would she scream out in agony?

Her heart started beating faster but she kept focusing on her breathing. I just need to stay relaxed, she told herself. And the gray mist that enveloped her seemed to soothe her.

Annja had the sensation of a sudden release of pressure.

Jenny's voice was quiet in her ear. ”It's up.”

David came around. Annja kept her eyes closed. She was afraid. The prospect of losing her legs was terrifying.

”Well, that's interesting,” David said.

Jenny started to giggle.

Annja opened her eyes.

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