Josh shakes his head. “Because you found two letters? I’m confused.”

I shake my head. “Tons of letters. I left them, but he wants to keep me here in the mountains. He thinks we met or maybe we did meet. I don’t know. But he’s acting like this is some great love story.” I practically gag on the words. “It’s insane. All of it is completely insane.”

Josh steps back, face blanched. He covers his mouth with his hand.

“And you don’t remember him?” Kayla asks, her voice lilting.

“No, but it doesn’t matter,” I say. “He thinks we are destined to be together. I told you. Insane.”

I reach for Josh, who flinches, unsettled by the letter. By everything I’m saying, I’m sure.

“Where are the other letters?” he asks me.

“Back there. I don’t care. We have to go.” I grab at Josh’s arm and then look down at his leg. His immobile leg. Dread sinks through me. He can’t handle this hill. He can’t go.

“I don’t know what to do,” I whisper.

A second passes. Josh breathes. I see the pain cross his face and feel it land in my chest. How can I leave him here? What if Brecken loses it? Blames him somehow?

“Go with Kayla,” he says.

I open my mouth, but words won’t come. I want to say that I don’t want to go with Kayla, because he’s the normal one. He’s the only one that picked up on Brecken, and I don’t want to go down there without him.

“We should go,” Kayla says.

I shake my head. “I don’t—”

“I know,” he says softly, gripping my arms. “I know you don’t want to leave, but you have to. I’m okay. Go and get help. Go now.”

“But, Josh—”

“Take her,” he says to Kayla. He nods at her, firm and slow. He’s made up his mind. “Stay close together, and I’ll do what I can to hold him off.”

“I will send help,” I say. “I promise you, I’ll send someone for you.”

I climb over the guardrail and ease my legs into the snow. Kayla is right behind me. It’s shallower here, but steep. Maybe steeper than I thought. I scrabble down, feet sliding until I find traction. My steps are awkward and high, and I’m grunting with the effort. I hear Kayla behind me, her quiet gasps punctuating my own panting.

I find a clearing on the slope where the grade eases. It’s better here. Snow up to my ankles, but not as many trees. I keep my feet turned out and start moving down the hill, the sting of snow blowing into my eyes and the coldness burning with every breath.

I have to hurry. I have to get help for Josh.