Gem Atkinson gently touched the swollen area on Eleanor Spencer Atkinson's face and said, "Mom, it's me."
Eleanor's eyes finally regained focus, "Gem."
"Mom, it's okay now. Let me hold Audrey."
As Gem slowly took Audrey from Eleanor's arms, Forsythia Brown, Norton Jarvis, Josh Levs, and others rushed forward.
"Gem Atkinson."
"Audrey."
"Mrs. Atkinson."
If Eleanor had been trying to protect her granddaughter earlier, using all of her strength, now that danger had passed, her legs went weak, and she could not stand.
The stretcher arrived, and Mr. Atkinson was carried away. Eleanor followed close behind.
Forsythia supported Gem, as Gem carried Audrey, slowly descending from the helicopter.
The heavy snowfall grew more intense.
Standing next to the helicopter in the swirling snow, Harlan Palmer foolishly stared at a fading red figure, unmoving.
