Sebastian dropped to his knees in the dust, still holding Cole’s limp body tightly against his chest. He patted Cole’s cheek with increasing urgency, his voice low but strained as he called his name over and over.

“Cole. Cole, open your eyes. Come on, stay with me.”

Cole’s head lolled slightly, but he didn’t respond at first. Sebastian kept talking to him, one arm supporting his back while the other brushed damp hair away from his forehead.

A few steps away, Daniel had not moved.

He stood completely frozen, staring at the young man who had just set the little girl down. His hands were shaking so badly he had...