All Chapters of Ten Years of Loving You in Vain: Chapter 11 - Chapter 14

Zane was covered in mud. A deep cut at his temple was bleeding through the grime, his left arm was twisted at an unnatural angle, and his torn shirt revealed dark bruising underneath.Shane quickly checked him over, his expression turning serious. "Tessa, he may have fractures and internal injuries. We need to get him to a hospital now."We flagged down a passing herder's pickup and endured the rough ride to Queenridge County Hospital.I sat in the back, carefully supporting Zane's head so the jolting truck wouldn't knock him around. As the mud dried, it hardened across his face, stripping away the cool composure he usually wore. His brows were tightly drawn, his face pale, and his breathing came shallow and fast.I looked at the wound on his temple and felt none of the old rush I might once have expected. All that remained was a complicated sense of calm.By risking his life to save us, Zane had added one final, heavy weight to the ten years between us.As soon as we reached the hosp

Six months later, the three new school buildings and the community clinic in Queenridge County were completed.On opening day, the village was decked out for the celebration. Children raced into the bright new classrooms with backpacks bouncing on their shoulders, running their hands over the brand-new desks and chairs as they beamed with excitement.The local herders gathered around the clinic, clasping Mark's hands and mine as they repeated their thanks in halting English.I stood among the crowd, watching the national flag ripple beneath the clear blue sky while Shane flew kites with the children nearby.When one of the kites climbed higher than all the others, Shane came running over and handed me a bottle of warm water, barely able to contain his excitement."Tessa, look! Mr. Tanner says that's the highest anyone in the village has ever flown one!"His hand was still warm and dry, and his eyes were as bright as the stars over the highlands.I took the water and caught my own refle