Gradually, they dragged him across the beach, placing him beneath the raft on top of some nylon bags. Together, they retrieved the first-aid kit and, as best they could, extracted the bullet, stitched the wound, and bandaged it.

"I'll go and see if I can find some branches, even if they're wet. We need to start a fire," said Marta, deeply concerned. "Watch the children, Bella. They're turning blue. We must heat some water and give it to them."

"All right, don't go too far," Isabella requested as she began massaging the children to try and warm them up.

"Take the gun and shoot without hesitation," Marta said, placing a...