The reality of the matter really hasn't settled in yet.
They've reached safety, surely. But since neither Krystal nor Annie can swim, Alex had tugged them through the water, even as mother and daughter tightly held onto their carry-on bags. Krystal eventually could not hold on to hers (and for a second, Annie was relieved that her mother had finally managed to let go of her baggage, even if the metaphorical significance was sorely misplaced), but Annie had been determined enough to hold onto Alex's and her own.
The consequences, however, are looking dire. Alex has collapsed, breathing shallow and uneven. Krystal herself is barely managing, and while Annie has gotten them both to shade, she's not optimistic about their fates. All the first aid she knows, she's attempted. She isn't sure if it's enough, but it's all she can do. Annie hates that her power is so limited, that she can only do so much. But this is the reality of the matter.
This, she has to accept.
The sound of Marnie's voice shakes her out of her dismal thoughts. Annie realizes that, in the rush of caring for her family, she wasn't able to spare a thought for her charge. While the thought makes her feel guilty beyond measure, a part of her is somewhat pleased there is more to her life than just work, whatever Krystal might have to say about it.
Still, this part of her is quickly shoved down as Annie, barefooted and unsteady, rises to her feet. She doesn't like having to abandon the two debilitated bodies at her feet, even for a few paces and minutes. But Marnie is important, too.
"Marnie?" Annie calls, and her shrill voice easily carries over the hot-humid tropical air. She takes a few steps out into the open, scanning the line of the beach for Marnie's slight figure. "Can you hear me?"
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They've reached safety, surely. But since neither Krystal nor Annie can swim, Alex had tugged them through the water, even as mother and daughter tightly held onto their carry-on bags. Krystal eventually could not hold on to hers (and for a second, Annie was relieved that her mother had finally managed to let go of her baggage, even if the metaphorical significance was sorely misplaced), but Annie had been determined enough to hold onto Alex's and her own.
The consequences, however, are looking dire. Alex has collapsed, breathing shallow and uneven. Krystal herself is barely managing, and while Annie has gotten them both to shade, she's not optimistic about their fates. All the first aid she knows, she's attempted. She isn't sure if it's enough, but it's all she can do. Annie hates that her power is so limited, that she can only do so much. But this is the reality of the matter.
This, she has to accept.
The sound of Marnie's voice shakes her out of her dismal thoughts. Annie realizes that, in the rush of caring for her family, she wasn't able to spare a thought for her charge. While the thought makes her feel guilty beyond measure, a part of her is somewhat pleased there is more to her life than just work, whatever Krystal might have to say about it.
Still, this part of her is quickly shoved down as Annie, barefooted and unsteady, rises to her feet. She doesn't like having to abandon the two debilitated bodies at her feet, even for a few paces and minutes. But Marnie is important, too.
"Marnie?" Annie calls, and her shrill voice easily carries over the hot-humid tropical air. She takes a few steps out into the open, scanning the line of the beach for Marnie's slight figure. "Can you hear me?"