Cherreads

Chapter 67 - Chapter 67 - Unspoken Bonds.

Herbert Medical And Technology

Blaze sat at his desk, the papers in front of him a blur as his thoughts drifted away from work and anchored firmly on Savannah. The hum of the office felt distant, like the low tide lapping at a shore far away. He glanced at the clock again, its hands ticking slowly, a reminder of the hours since she'd left for the island.

He tried calling her all night, his phone an extension of his worry, but each ring met with silence. The network on the island was likely nonexistent, just as he feared. How was she? Was she eating well? Sleeping okay? The questions swirled in his mind like the ocean currents around her remote paradise. 

Plus he hadn't seen her for so many good days, he wanted to see her and hear her voice asap, it's like he was missing on his doses.

Just then, a knock broke through his reverie. It was Arthur, his secretary, standing in the doorway with a thick file in hand. Blaze straightened in his chair, forcing himself to focus, "Here's the report on the island," Arthur said, placing the file on Blaze's desk with a soft thud.

Blaze picked it up, flipping through the pages filled with details about the community Savannah had gone to volunteer in. 

He scanned the sections on local customs, available resources, and the challenges the island faced. Each piece of information felt like a thread pulling him closer to her, yet also a reminder of the distance that separated them.

"Anything important?" Arthur asked, raising an eyebrow, sensing Blaze's distracted state.

"Just... reading about the island," Blaze murmured, his thoughts still drifting toward Savannah. 

"I worry about her."

Arthur nodded, understanding. "It's a tough place, but she's strong. You know that."

Blaze sighed, a mix of admiration and concern flooding through him. "Yeah, I know. But she's out there alone, doing something so selfless. I just hope she's okay."

Arthur nodded, offering a reassuring smile. "She's probably busy making a difference, just like you admire her for. You should take a break too?, You've an important meeting ahead"

Blaze focused on content "Yeah"

Arthur nodded again, his expression softening. "You care about her a lot, don't you?" this was the first time Arthur had ever talked about Savannah to him and in this way, he had never dared to talk about this topic to him, he was afraid his Boss wouldn't like that.

Blaze stared at the file in his hands, the weight of its contents pressing down on him with every word. 

"I do. More than I ever thought I could." 

For the first time, the words slipped out, quiet but heavy, admitting something that had been clear from the very first moment. But even now, acknowledging it felt like standing at the edge of something vast and unknown.

The file was more than just paperwork—it was a lifeline, a thread connecting him to Savannah in a way that no call, no message ever could. He absorbed every detail about the community she was helping, each struggle they faced, every challenge, every triumph. 

It all felt vital, as though the file itself held the key to bridging the gap between them, to making her presence, her essence, tangible again.

But with every sentence, his concern only deepened, his worry escalating as he dialed her number once more. The phone rang—once, twice, three times—but it went unanswered, the hollow sound amplifying the silence that weighed on him like a thick fog.

"Damn it," he muttered, frustration lining his voice.

Arthur, ever the steady presence, glanced over at him, eyes filled with concern. "Still no luck?"

Blaze let out a sharp sigh, frustration flaring in his chest. He shut the file with finality, his eyes locking onto Arthur's. "No," he said, voice tight. "Forget the meeting. Let's go."

Arthur hesitated, taking in the determination in Blaze's eyes. He glanced at his wristwatch. "We have an hour before—"

"To hell with the meeting," Blaze cut in, his voice commanding. "We're going to the island."

A flicker of uncertainty passed over Arthur's face as he read the weight of Blaze's words. This wasn't a request—it was an order. A sense of urgency pulsed through the room, and Arthur didn't need to ask more questions. 

He could see it in Blaze's eyes: this was personal. More personal than anything that could be contained in a business meeting or a file.

"You're serious?" Arthur asked, already knowing the answer.

"Absolutely." Blaze's voice was low, firm. "I need to know she's okay."

Arthur let out a resigned sigh, his brow furrowing as he processed the gravity of the situation. Without another word, he nodded and reached for his phone. "Alright. I'll make the calls. Arrange the flight."

Blaze felt a surge of relief, though it was quickly tangled with an even deeper sense of urgency. 

Every second spent waiting felt like a lifetime, and he couldn't afford another minute of uncertainty. He grabbed his blazer, throwing it on as he gathered the essentials from his desk with mechanical precision. 

His mind, however, was a storm of thoughts about Savannah—about her safety, her well-being. The meeting could wait. The deals, the papers, the endless demands—they were meaningless right now. 

All that mattered was reaching her, making sure she was safe.

As Blaze stormed out of the office, the world outside felt distant and inconsequential. The piles of paperwork, the ever-pressing meetings, the expectations—all of it faded away. His heart was focused on one singular thing: reaching Savannah.

Whether she was ready for him or not, he was coming for her. 

And nothing—nothing—was going to stop him.

ISLAND

Savannah stood under the warm sun, the sound of waves gently crashing against the shore a comforting backdrop to the bustling activity around her. 

Today was a big day-free health check-ups for the island's residents. She had set up her station, a simple table adorned with colorful charts and supplies, ready to welcome the community with a warm smile.

Beside her was Alex, the youngest volunteer, his enthusiasm contagious. They had teamed up to handle the assessments, and Savannah admired his eagerness to learn. As they greeted each person, she felt a sense of purpose swell within her. This was why she was here-connecting with the people, understanding their needs, and making a difference, however small.

"Good morning!" she called out cheerfully to an elderly woman who approached, leaning heavily on a cane. "How are you feeling today?"

The woman smiled, her face crinkling with age and warmth. "Better now that you're here, dear."

Savannah laughed softly, noting how their spirits lifted just from having someone to talk to. "Let's take a look at your blood pressure first, shall we?"

As the morning unfolded, Savannah and Alex moved seamlessly from one patient to the next, their rhythm effortless and practiced. 

They asked careful questions, listened with full attention, and scribbled notes as the line slowly advanced. Most complaints were minor—aches, strains, and small ailments that came with the demands of island life. 

Then a young man stepped forward, his shoulders tense, his face etched with unease.

"Hello there," Savannah greeted him, her warmth softening as she took in his anxious demeanor. Her tone grew more serious. "What brings you to us today?"

He hesitated, rubbing his palms together, eyes fixed on the ground. "I've been feeling really tired lately… and sometimes my chest hurts."

A quiet alarm rang in Savannah's chest. She exchanged a quick glance with Alex, who was already reaching for the stethoscope, his expression tightening. "Okay," she said gently, though her concern deepened. "Let's take a closer look. Can you tell me when you first noticed these symptoms?"

Before he could answer, a sudden, piercing scream tore through the air, sharp and desperate, cutting through the calm like shattered glass.

Savannah's heart leapt into her throat. 

She locked eyes with Alex, and without a word, they were moving—chairs scraping, supplies abandoned—as they sprinted toward the sound. Fear prickled along Savannah's spine, her pulse roaring in her ears. As they rounded the corner, her breath caught. A small figure lay crumpled on the ground—a child.

Panic surged through her as she rushed forward. 

The boy lay limp, tears streaking his dirt-smudged face as he whimpered weakly. His left leg was badly cut, blood steadily seeping from the jagged wound, and a deep bruise darkened his forehead where he must have struck a rock when he fell. 

The sight hit Savannah hard, a brutal, aching reminder of everything she had lost. For a fleeting, unbearable moment, she saw her own son reflected in the terrified child before her.

"What happened?" she asked urgently, turning to the boy's mother—but the woman was inconsolable, sobbing and clutching at her chest, unable to form words.

"It's… it's going to be fine," the boy whimpered, his voice trembling, eyes wide with fear.

Savannah crouched beside him, forcing calm into her voice as she looked up at his mother. "He's going to be okay," she assured her gently. "Please—can you tell me what happened?"

Through broken sobs, the story finally emerged. The boy had been trying to help his mother when he lost his footing, slicing his leg and striking his head as he fell to the rock. The urgency of the situation pressed down on Savannah, sharp and immediate. She turned to Alex, whose expression mirrored her own concern.

"Alex, I need you to help me stop the bleeding," she said firmly. "We have to get him to my place—now."

Alex nodded, worry flickering in his eyes as he grabbed a clean cloth from their supplies and knelt beside the child. Savannah carefully lifted the boy into her arms, the sticky warmth of blood soaking into her clothes. 

His small body trembled against her, and her heart ached with every shallow breath he took.

"Stay with me, baby," she murmured, holding him close. "You're going to be alright."

The walk to her hut felt endless, every step heavy with urgency and fear. When they finally arrived, Savannah laid the boy gently on a makeshift bed. Her hands moved quickly as she gathered antiseptic, bandages, and gauze, forcing her mind into focus. 

She shoved the ghosts of her past aside. This child needed her—right now.

"Alex, hold his leg steady while I clean the wound," she instructed.

He complied immediately, his jaw tight, eyes never leaving the boy. Savannah worked carefully, methodically, despite the storm raging inside her. This wasn't her first emergency, but it was the hardest. Every movement echoed memories she fought daily to keep buried.

"You're so brave," she whispered to the child as she applied pressure, even as his eyes fluttered shut from exhaustion and shock. "Just a little longer. I've got you."

She finished cleaning and tightly wrapping the wound, her hands steady despite the ache in her chest. "Alright," she said softly, exhaling. "Now let's check his head."

As she examined the bruise, she glanced at Alex, who watched closely, ready to act. "You're doing great," she told him quietly, grateful for his presence and support.

After what felt like an eternity, Savannah finally stepped back, releasing a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. "I think he'll be okay," she said, voice heavy with relief. "We just need to watch him closely."

Alex looked up at her, his voice barely above a whisper. "You did great."

Savannah offered a small, tired smile, her heart swelling with relief, gratitude, and the quiet strength it took to keep going. 

"Thank you."

Next Day

Savannah stood outside her hut, organizing supplies for the day's health checks. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a warm glow over the island, and she felt a sense of purpose as she arranged bandages and medications. This was her routine, and she loved every moment of it.

Suddenly, she noticed Luc, the head of the volunteer team, approaching with a serious expression. He called for everyone to gather, his tone urgent. Savannah's heart sank slightly as she sensed the gravity of the situation.

As the fifteen volunteers assembled, she moved closer to hear what was going on. 

Luc cleared his throat, his eyes scanning the group. "Listen up, everyone. Last night, the nearby village was hit hard by a flood. It's severe, and the people there need immediate medical assistance. We have to respond quickly."

A murmur of concern rippled through the group. Savannah's stomach knotted as she imagined the devastation. "How bad is it?" she whispered to the person next to her.

"Pretty bad," they replied, their voice low. "They're going to need a lot of help."

Luc continued, "We'll be providing a boat to take us there, but it's going to be a long journey. It might be dangerous, and we need to be prepared for the worst. Who's ready to go?"

Silence fell over the group, and Savannah watched as her fellow volunteers shifted uneasily. One by one, they began to back away, citing fears and doubts. A wave of disappointment washed over her; she understood their hesitation, but deep down, she felt a strong pull to help.

After a few moments of hesitation, Savannah raised her hand, stepping forward. "I'll go."

The room fell silent again, surprise etched on everyone's faces. Some looked at her with disbelief; they knew how dire the situation would be. 

"Savannah, are you sure?" one of them asked, concern evident.

"I have to go. They need us," she replied, her voice steady.

The tension in the room hung thick, a palpable weight that seemed to press down on everyone. 

Savannah could feel it, the anxiety building, the uncertainty of what lay ahead. She stood at the center, trying to steady her thoughts, when, out of the corner of her eye, Alex— the youngest volunteer—hesitated. 

His eyes flickered with doubt for just a moment, but then he raised his hand, his posture straightening, a quiet determination settling over him.

"I'll go as well," he said, his voice unexpectedly firm, carrying an edge of resolve that belied his youth.

Savannah's gaze snapped to him, caught off guard by the sudden bravery in his words. 

Her heart warmed, a mix of surprise and gratitude stirring within her. "You want to come?" she asked, her voice soft with incredulity, yet touched by his unspoken commitment.

Alex nodded, his face serious but with a flicker of something more—admiration, perhaps. 

"Yeah, I do. Someone has to look out for you." His eyes met hers, and in that brief moment, something unspoken passed between them. He wasn't just volunteering to help. He was stepping forward because he believed in her strength, even when the weight of the situation threatened to break her.

A gentle heat spread through Savannah at his words. His quiet confidence gave her strength, a reminder that she wasn't alone in this.

Before the moment could stretch too long, Luc's voice broke through, practical as always, but carrying an urgency of its own. "Alright, then," he said, his tone clipped yet filled with a sense of purpose. "We leave in twenty minutes. Gather your supplies and meet at the dock."

The words brought everything back into focus. Savannah nodded, giving Alex a small, grateful smile before turning to gather her gear. Despite the fear still pulsing in her chest, she felt a spark of something else—a sense of solidarity. They were in this together, and somehow, that made all the difference.

As Savannah and Alex hurried to prepare, she felt a mix of apprehension. This was exactly why she had come to the island to make a difference when it mattered most.

"Are you really okay with this?" Alex asked as they packed a first aid kit together. "Absolutely. We can't just leave those people to suffer," she said, her determination unwavering.

Alex nodded, his respect for her growing. "I admire that about you. You're always willing to help."

They finished gathering supplies, the urgency of the mission propelling them forward. As they approached the dock, Savannah felt her heart race. 

Whatever challenges awaited them on the other side of the water, she was ready to face them. This was what it meant to be part of a community-to step up when it counted. And with Alex by her side, she felt a little less alone in the fight ahead.

Author's Note :

Happy reading<3

Have a great day/night <3

More Chapters