Snowbound

2

It was hours before Ben's consciousness returned. He was disoriented and trying to blink but he swore his eyelashes were frozen. It was just pure freezing darkness. "Miranda...Miranda. Dr. Miranda Bailey," he called out and didn't receive a response.

Turning his head he looked over and his gaze fell on Miranda, still unconscious and nestled in a blanket of snow. Fear gripped him as he hurried over to her side. He fumbled through her belongings that were scattered and found a medical flashlight, his fingers trembled as he switched it on to examine her.

Ben checked her pupils for signs of life. "Miranda, are you there?" He asked swapping the light in her eyes.

Relief washed over him a little when he confirmed she was alive but deeply unconscious. Her head was bleeding, blood trickling down and her beautiful face was banged up. He scanned her body and saw a deep deep gash in her leg.

"Fuck," he knew she would not be able to walk on her own with this. Thinking, he grabbed a hand full of snow and packed the wound. Hoping the makeshift compress would keep her from getting an infection. He wrapped her leg carefully in his scarf to protect it from the harsh coldness.

Gently, Ben covered Miranda with her coat, attempting to shield her from the biting cold.

He then moved around and noticed the dog. "Oh good you made it buddy," he said rubbing his head.

Going to the front of the plane that was broken and split in two, he discovered Walter. There was no denying that he was dead. The man was completely frozen. Half of his body was out of the plane. He checked his pockets and saw that he had two lighters, knowing that would come in handy he placed them into his pocket.

Ben sat back in his spot and groaned. His adrenaline was wearing off and he realized that he was hurt. His breath was shallow and touching his chest produced a wince. He wasn't that kind of doctor but he knew that a few of his ribs were broken.

He reached out and grabbed the metal bowl that was on the ground of the plane. The plane was leaking oil from the cracked piece. He held the bowl under it and added a piece of fabric before lighting it. Sitting it on the ground he was satisfied with the light it produced.

Ben melted snow in another container and drank water. The fire crackled and it was the only sound except for the dog's whine.

Exhaustion seeped into every fiber of Ben's being. Despite the pain throbbing in his side, he made sure Miranda was as comfortable as possible, tucking her in with her coat again and adding his hat. The flames and her unconscious, but alive state provided a feeble sense of security.

He checked his cell phone. It was 11:30 at night. He didn't have any signal. Wiping his hand over his face. He blew out a deep breath.

"Damit"

Ben's body finally succumbed to weariness. He settled down beside Miranda, the events of the traumatic day catching up to him, he whistled for the dog to come into the warmth of the fire and get near him, the only companion in the desolate wilderness and he drifted into a restless sleep.

The next morning Ben woke up and he sat up. It was still absolutely freezing and he noticed the fire had gone out. He re-lit it and checked on Miranda again before crawling out of the plane wreckage

Looking around all the vast expanse he blew out a breath before cupping his hand around his mouth and yelling out.

"Help....anybody...somebody!" he cried out, the desperation evident in his tone, but the only response was the echo of his own voice fading into the distance.

Frustration and disbelief overwhelmed him as he looked out at the endless horizon. Tears welled up in his eyes, a mixture of despair and disbelief at the isolation and their desperate situation.