Page 79 of The Voice of Wild Places
Cornelius cleared his throat and said, “Maggie’s hurt.And I think … I think if we were looking for the lost city, then we should’ve stayed right where we were, with Severino and the others.”
“But?”
Cornelius sighed, pushing his glasses back up his nose.
“What?”
Cornelius tried to glare at him, but there was no heat in it.He said, “I heard water.When I,” he gestured to his clothes, “went for a walk, I heard water running.And I wondered.That’s all.”
“You wondered.”Watt looked over at Maggie.“You hear that, girl?”
Cornelius rolled his eyes.“Are you trying to be difficult this morning, Watt Johnson?”
Watt grinned, effectively disarming Cornelius.“Can’t let you have all the fun, can I?”
Cornelius laughed.“What’s gotten into you?”
“Nothing.”Watt’s smile broadened, and he shook his head a little.“But I’m wondering now, too.”
Cornelius decided that perhaps he could be Watt’s comfort, if it meant more smiles like these.He could be whatever the man wanted, or needed, and when it was all said and done, well.
He’d be happy, for now.
July 30th, 1930
Watt was composed of contradictions.
He was happy, and not just on a surface level, but all the way down to his bones.His best friend was hurt.
He was awake for the first time in what felt like years.He was lost in the heart of the world.
He wanted to keep going.He wanted to go back.
He wanted.God, did he want.
But it was clear by the look in Cornelius’ eyes and the rigid way he held himself that last night had not been as enlightening for him as it had been for Watt.Or maybe it had been, but instead of discovering happiness in their kiss, Cornelius had discovered that he didn’t want Watt.Not like that.
He stared at Cornelius’ back as the man led the way, slowly making a path through the vegetation as it thickened impossibly further.He cut through choking plants and vines, his cane strapped to his pack.Watt held Maggie close to his chest, readjusting her in his arms every now and then.He cradled her lower body, careful of her bad leg, and she rested her head and front legs on his shoulder.She didn’t care for it, and Cornelius thought it might be alright if she walked for a little while, but for now Watt carried her.Less opportunities for the bandage, and therefore her leg, to get infected.
The ferns were enormous through here, and so were the trees.They were only five minutes from the place they’d camped last night, and yet it felt like a world away.Cornelius paused, then glanced over his shoulder and said, “Do you hear it?”
Watt paused.Maggie’s ear twitched.He said, “Water.”
Cornelius nodded.A hesitant expression crossed his face, and he crossed the short distance back to Watt.He stroked Maggie’s fur and studied her eyes.He looked back up to Watt, his face carefully blank.“What do you want to do, Watt Johnson?”
‘Kiss you,’Watt thought.‘I want to kiss you again.’
“I’m following you, aventurier.”
Cornelius’ cheeks flushed, and he tried not to smile.With as much sternness as he could muster, Cornelius said, “I’m serious, Watt.Are you sure this is what you want to do?I don’t—I can’t have you regretting this, or resenting me for it.”Watt felt like he’d been doused in ice water, and his fingers tightened in Maggie’s fur.Something must have shown on his face, because Cornelius added in quick staccato bursts, “I’m talking about going forward.With the search.We can go back to the camp.If you want.”
Watt said, “We’re long past the point of going back, Cornelius.”
He hoped that Cornelius heard the words for what they were.A promise.
Cornelius ducked his head a little and pushed up his glasses.“Okay.”He looked up at Watt, unable to fight his grin any longer.“Okay.Let’s go before your arms fall off.”
Watt said, “Lead the way.”
