Fourteen
Fortunately, the helicopter was able to land not far from us. One of the rescue workers was a doctor. As far as she could tell Beauty was physically fine, and Nate needed an X-ray. They carried him to the helicopter on a stretcher. We gently put Joy into a bag that they tucked into a corner. Beauty and I sat close to each other on the helicopter.
When the helicopter rose high enough, I could see flames topping the trees.
I kept my arm around Beauty as the chopper flew us over the Gifford Pinchot National Forest toward the town of Beauty Falls. A strong wind rocked the helicopter, and Beauty threw up. I nearly did. I was glad when we finally landed on the grounds of the elementary school half a block from my house.
Nate and I glanced at each other now and again. It was too loud
