Cathy, who had been silent most of the afternoon, took Manuel’s large hands in her own tiny ones and kissed each of his fingers. “I love you, Manolo,” she said. “If we don’t make it, I want you to know that I’ve always loved you, and I’ve never ever loved anyone like I love you right now.”

Manuel put his arms around Cathy and held her in a desperate and tearful embrace. “Cathy. . . .” He looked into her beautiful brown eyes, but there was nothing to say. No words would come. He simply buried his face in her long, dark hair and held her close.

When he turned back to his work, Manuel wiped sweat and tears from his eyes and called the boys together. “You know, guys, none of us may come out of this thing alive. But I’m hopeful, and here is the only survival plan I can think of. It’s going to get really, really hot around here in a little bit. The worst will only last for two or three minutes, but if any one of us is exposed to the direct heat. . . . Well, just make sure you keep down low in the trenches, and stay underwater as much as you can.

“I want each one of you to kneel down, up to your nose in the water. Okay? And when that thing comes down, whatever it is, I want you to hold your breath and duck all the way down under the water until you feel the impact. Can you do that?” All three boys nodded. “I think the dirt and the water will shield us. But if you get out of your trench or if you stand up, you won’t be able to take the heat. So, please boys, stay down. And you, too, Cathy. We all have to just stay down in the trenches and don’t panic.”

His wife spoke up. “Manolo, you know we trust you, but will this idea of yours really work? Do you think there’s any hope for us?”

“Cathy,” he replied softly, lifting her chin slightly with his right hand, “it’s the best plan we have right now. Nothing like this has ever happened before.” He looked at each of his sons, then drew them all together. “I don’t know if it’ll work. It’s just a chance, guys. But we have to try it, okay?”

They nodded.

“Okay then, that settles it,” Cathy replied. “I believe that God has let us come to this mountain for a purpose, and we are going to ask for His help right now. Manolo, my husband, will you pray for us?”

Manuel thought, I am an engineer, not a priest. But this is something I must do for my family. Then he began to pray aloud.

“Padre Celestial, we five are on this mountain today facing death. If we are going to die, then we ask that You would forgive us our sins. Because of the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus, we know You will forgive us. But, if You would, please, dear Father, let us live so that we can glorify You. Thank You, Father, for hearing our prayer. Amen.”