Page 57 of Lost In Kakadu

As he cast each thought aside, it was instantly replaced with anothernegative one. On top of that, the throbbing in his chest was like an internal clock beating down the hours.

Abigail returned to his side. “How about my towel? It’s pure Egyptian cotton and guaranteed to keep you warm.” She fidgeted with the towel ensuring his body was covered.

“Thank you.” Even with the extra layer of material, the coldness in his lower back was spreading and deepening. Abigail’s eyes showed pity and Charlie had to literally pull himself away. “Can you help me? I’d like to write a letter.”

“Of course. Is the paper in your satchel?”

“Yes. There’s some pink paper in there.” He saved this special paper for all the important letters he wrote to his daughter.

Mackenzie returned with a steaming can of coffee. “Did you want milk or sugar?”

Charlie frowned. “We have milk and sugar?”

“Well, it’s powdered milk if you can count that.”

“That would be great and two sugars.”

Abigail placed the paper on Charlie’s lap and rummaged for a pen.

“Here we go, just as you like it.” Mackenzie held the steaming can toward him.

He wouldn’t be able to drink it lying down like he was. “Can you help me sit up?”

“Actually, I have a seat by the fire for you. Would you like me to carry you over there?”

Charlie loved the idea. Staring into a fire had always been one of his favourite pastimes. “Yes, please.”

“It might hurt.”

“It’ll be worth it.”

He winced as Mackenzie lifted him off the ground but when he saw the chairs around the fire, he smiled. “Well, isn’t this luxury?”

“Only the best.” Mackenzie eased him into the chair and Abigail draped her towel over him again then placed his writing pad in his lap.

The heat from the fire was a welcome relief. “This is better.”

“Great. While you’re up, I’m going to make us a couple of beds.”

“I’ll leave you in peace, too.” Abigail followed Mackenzie toward the plane.

The smoke curled and twisted as it left the fire. Mesmerised,Charlie watched a wisp float up, carefree and independent. Attributes he wished upon his three grandchildren, Robert, Kelly and little Nikki.

He began to write, and as always, he poured his soul into the letters, treating them like his own private therapy sessions. Writing the words were like releasing an eagle into the wild and he felt liberated once they were free from his mind.

When he lifted his shaking hand from the page, he didn’t even recognise his own writing. He folded the paper over, ensuring the small white rose was neatly positioned on the left-hand side. Closing the envelope with a kiss, he placed it on his lap.

As he stared with contentment into the fire, sleep beckoned.

ChapterTwenty-Four

Mackenzie studied one of the giant eucalyptus trees that trapped the plane above the ground. A trail of sap oozed down its rough bark, and it looked like the tree was bleeding; probably from injuries it sustained in the crash.

He pressed his finger into the red bubble and the coagulated surface bowed until he pushed through to the dense liquid beneath the outer crust. The sap had the consistency of thick treacle and smelled like pure eucalyptus. He couldn’t resist a taste and licked his finger.

“What on earth are you doing?”

He jumped. He hadn’t heard Abigail walk up behind him. “It tastes like menthol. Want some?” He held his finger toward her.

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