I start cataloguing my injuries as Sam drives. My cheek is aching, I have gravel rash around my mouth and I’ve bitten my tongue. There are scrapes along my hands and arms where I landed, and my scalp is hurting from the hair-pulling. Everything is stinging, but there’s nothing too drastic. My clothes fared better, they’re dirty but no rips or holes that I can find yet. There are a lot of marks that will need to be explained. The man-sized problem that’s probably at the hospital by now is a worry for later.

I did what I had to.

We make it to the river with no further assaults.

The spot Sam picks isn’t one I’ve been to before, but I’m glad. It’ll mean less chance of running into anyone out doing some fishing or swimming. The sun is setting in full red glory as we pile out. I go straight to Rhi and look her over.

‘Did he hurt you?’ My question starts her sobbing again. I cuddle her close and watch Sam move carefully over to the riverbank.

‘Sam?’ He finds a spot he seems happy with and lowers himself down. ‘Sam, you’re startin to freak me out.’

‘I might need help gettin this shirt off,’ he mumbles.

Cupping Rhi’s chin I pull back and peer into her face. ‘Ya right, cuz?’

She nods between hiccups, but I still do another once over. A few scrapes and dirty clothes is all I see, thank God. But there are fresh bruises forming that make me want to cry. I go to the car and pull out my port. I’d dropped it there just a few hours ago, but it feels like a month. I pull out the little pack of tissues I keep around for my hay fever, and my water bottle. Stepping up to Sam, I look him over. His face is a mess and I can see bruises and marks on all of his exposed skin. His eyes look a bit glazed. He’s in pain. My guilt ramps even higher.

Crouching in front of him, I wet down a few tissues and start wiping at the blood and dirt I can see. ‘Where’s it hurt worst?’

Grabbing my wrist he stops my gentle wiping and looks me in the eye. ‘Are you really okay?’

I manage a smile. ‘I think Mick got the worst of it.’ My voice breaks a bit but I cough it back and we pretend I have a scratch in my throat. Sam stares at me for a while longer, before letting go and looking down at his hands.

‘I managed to protect my head, it’s probably just bruising.’

I nod. ‘Let’s take a look anyway. Lift your arms.’