Jungle Heat

Chapter 3 - Falling

Back at the compound, Tam guided a shaken Ella from the still-idling Hind, the roar of the helicopter fading into unsettling silence. Other team members sat nearby, their expressions hollow, too tired to move or speak.

Chris shot a weary glance at Tam, frustration etched on his face. "I know you're fine, you lunatic—you love this shit. But I lost three on that mission. They knew we were coming."

Tam sighed heavily. "I know, bru. We need to gather their things and inform their families." He stole a glance at Ella. "Hope your stories are worth this..."

Ella's lower lip trembled as tears threatened to spill, the harsh reality crashing over her like a tidal wave. Tam pressed his lips together, his expression tightening as he realized she was about to break down.

He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You'd better come with me, Ella. We'll drop off your gear and get you cleaned up. Trust me, you'll feel better."

Tam led her through the compound to his room. Once inside, Ella's legs gave way, and he had to support her as she started to shake. "Let's get you seated," he said, guiding her to the bed. He sat down next to her and wrapped an arm around her. "You've had a busy few hours. You're just a bit shocked. It's okay; it will pass."

Ella nodded, taking deep breaths to calm herself.

"Just sit still, and I'll help you get this stuff off," Tam said, his focus shifting to her gear. He carefully began removing the harness, belt, and other equipment. "Once you're free of all this, you can have a hot shower," he added, a hint of a grin on his lips. "It's one of the few perks of being on the team—endless hot water."

Ella smiled weakly, but the gesture felt distant, almost foreign. She was shaken, her mind racing with fragmented memories of the ordeal she had just escaped, and she felt herself drifting. It was as if she were watching everything unfold from afar, unable to fully grasp what had happened, caught between the reality of the moment and the haunting echoes of the mission. Guilt twisted in her stomach as she thought of the lives lost, the weight pressing down on her.

With the last piece of gear set aside, Tam stood up. "Come on, follow me." He picked up a pair of her sandals and handed them to her.

Ella stared blankly, his voice distant, as if she were submerged underwater. She wanted to stand, but her legs felt like lead. Tam reached out a hand. "I'll help you," he said softly. She took his hand, and he gently pulled her up, wrapping his arm around her for support. "One step at a time. Just breathe and focus on putting one foot in front of the other."

Ella let him guide her, each step feeling heavier as she struggled to cope.

Once in the shower block, Tam unloaded the small bag he had taken from his room, containing shampoo, shower gel, and a large beach towel. He grabbed baby wipes and gently began removing the camo cream from her face. "Let's get this goop off to start."

Ella looked at him, noticing the sympathy in his eyes for the first time—a warmth that cut through her fog of despair. Tears trickled down her cheeks at an overwhelming rush of emotion. Tam positioned himself close, aware that she needed human contact, which was a stark contrast to his usual icy demeanor.

He kept a hand on her shoulder, watching her as she let out a deep, shuddering breath.

"Let it go, Ella," he murmured. "Talk to me whenever you're ready."

"They..." Her voice quivered as she looked away, her heart so heavy it felt like it might shatter. "They died... because of me."

"Hey," Tam gently grasped her chin, lifting her gaze to meet his. "They died saving all of us."