Chapter 10: Chapter Ten:
Waiting outside, Elizabeth's heart skipped a beat as the loud firecracker-like sounds rang out, mingling with the blaring sirens in the distance.
She strained her ears, trying to decipher the source of the noise. Was it fireworks? Gunshots?l
With each burst of sound, Elizabeth's anxiety grew, her hands trembling with fear. She desperately hoped that James and Mr Jenkins were safe and would return soon.
The uncertainty of the situation weighed heavily on her as she stood there, waiting and listening intently for any clue as to what was happening.
Elizabeth's heart pounded in her chest as the crackling sounds grew in intensity and frequency, each burst sending a shiver down her spine. With a sinking feeling in her stomach, she realized the truth - those crackles were gunfire.
Stepping over the debris, he entered the living room, as James surveyed the aftermath of an explosion. The room was a chaotic mess, with debris scattered everywhere and the walls showing signs of the impact from the bomb that had landed in the adjacent room.
Despite the destruction, James couldn't help but feel grateful that the bomb had narrowly missed hitting the living room directly..
James' heart raced as he heard Mr. Jenkins' voice coming from beneath a pile of debris in the middle of the room.
The layout of the debris was chaotic, with broken furniture, shattered glass, and splintered wood creating a hazardous maze. James knelt down and began moving aside the debris piece by piece, his hands frantically searching for of Mr. Jenkins.
After a tense moment, James finally spotted Mr. Jenkins' hand sticking out from under a fallen shelf.
"I'm here, Mr. Jenkins," James said urgently, his heart racing as he worked to clear the debris blocking his path.
It took every ounce of his strength, but he finally managed to move enough debris to reveal Mr. Jenkins lying beneath.
Breathing a sigh of relief, James knelt down beside Mr Jenkins.
"Hang in there" he reassured Mr. Jenkins, his voice filled with concern. He quickly assessed the elderly man's condition, noting the blood and hoping it wasn't too serious. James knew he had to act fast to get Mr. Jenkins the help he needed.
"I won't leave your side, we'll get through this together," he promised, his voice unwavering as he prepared to assist the injured man.
James carefully supported Mr. Jenkins as he sat him up, his heart aching at the sight of the pain the elderly man was in.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Jenkins. Is it your back?" James asked gently, knowing the man's history of back problems. Mr. Jenkins shook his head and gestured towards his legs, indicating where the pain was.
Realizing they couldn't afford to wait any longer, James made a difficult decision.
"We have to move, Mr. Jenkins. I know it will be painful, but we can't stay here," he explained, his voice filled with determination. Mr. Jenkins looked at James, understanding the severity of the situation, and nodded in agreement.
"Brace yourself, Mr. Jenkins," James said as he helped the elderly man sit up, careful not to cause further harm. Mr. Jenkins winced in pain, but James quickly assured him they would take a short break before attempting to get him on his feet.
"We'll rest for a moment before we continue, okay?" James said, his voice filled with compassion as he supported Mr. Jenkins through the ordeal. The elderly man nodded, grateful for James' care and understanding in the face of adversity.
James sat next to Mr. Jenkins, taking in the devastation surrounding them. He couldn't help but feel grateful that the elderly man had survived the chaos.
As he reflected on the tragedy he had witnessed earlier, Mr. Jenkins placed a comforting hand on James's shoulder, a silent gesture of understanding and support.
"I'm okay, Mr. Jenkins," James reassured the elderly man, not wanting to burden him with his own emotions. Determined to focus on the task at hand, he stood up and prepared to help Mr. Jenkins onto his feet.
"Let's get you up," James said, his voice steady as he extended a hand to assist the elderly man. Mr. Jenkins nodded in agreement.
Standing over Mr. Jenkins, James took a deep breath and prepared himself for the task ahead. Clenching onto the elderly man's clothes at the shoulders, James felt Mr. Jenkins' firm grip on his own shoulders, a silent signal of readiness.
"Are you ready?" James asked, seeking confirmation from the elderly man. Mr. Jenkins nodded in response, steeling himself for the effort ahead.
"3... 2... 1," James counted down before lifting Mr. Jenkins up. The elderly man let out a loud groan as he was raised, the pain evident in his expression.
Once Mr. Jenkins was on his feet, James wrapped an arm around his shoulder while the elderly man reciprocated the gesture.
"That's the worst part over," James reassured Mr. Jenkins, offering a glimmer of hope in the midst of adversity.
With one last look around the damaged house, James urged, "Let's go." Mr. Jenkins groaned but nodded, and together they slowly made their way through the wrecked house, supporting each.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone