– No, I didn't find anyone," Chris said.
Maybe there were chemicals on the plane. I smelled something strange when I came to. We need to report it as soon as possible.
– How are you feeling yourself? – Ted asked.
– I think I'm okay," Chris said. – But my side hurts a lot, and I'm dizzy. But I'll be all right.
– All right, I'll grab my first aid kit and come by your place," Ted said. – Come on, hang in there, buddy.
– Thank you, Ted," Chris said, tears welling up in his eyes. – I'll be waiting.
He hung up the walkie-talkie, walked over to the couch, and carefully lay down. His body was shaking, and his mind was spinning with thoughts. He couldn't believe he'd managed to contact Ted. But it was exactly what he needed right now.
Chris closed his eyes and tried to calm down. He needed to hold on a little longer. Soon Ted would be here, and it would all be over.
Chapter 4. Meeting the neighbor
Chris heard footsteps coming up the creaky stairs. His heart clenched, but he knew it was Ted. His neighbor's voice sounded clear and confident:
– Chris, where are you? – It's me.
– Ted, I'm here, down the hall to the right.
– Got it," Ted replied, and his footsteps grew louder.
The door of the room opened with a slight creak, and Ted appeared in the doorway. His face was focused, but there was a shadow of a smile in his eyes. He deftly removed the bag from his shoulder and pulled out the first aid kit.
– So what do we have here? – Ted asked, pulling out a flashlight and checking it.
Chris, still lying on the couch, propped himself up on his elbows.
– You're like a doctor," he said with a slight chuckle, trying to hide the pain.
– And I am a doctor," Ted answered with a serious look, but there was a smile in the corner of his eyes. – Not for people, but for other animals.
– A veterinarian? – Chris guessed.
– That's right," Ted confirmed, pulling some pills out of the medicine cabinet. – But today I'll be treating a human being.
He shined the flashlight into Chris's eyes, checking for a reaction, then put his ear to his chest, listening for breathing.
After a quick examination of Chris, Ted made a final diagnosis.
– What can I say," Ted finally said, "you're not seriously injured. Just a cracked rib and a slight concussion. You'll live. I'm going to give you some pills to help you recover and take them once a day.
Chris took the pills, drinking them with water from the bottle Ted had brought.
– Thank you," he said quietly, feeling the warmth spill over his body.
– Get some rest," Ted said, tucking the first aid kit into his bag. – I'm going into town now. I have to report the plane crash to the local police. I'll try to tow your car.
– No, Ted, don't go there first," Chris stopped him. – There's chemical waste or something. Make sure you tell them they need special people. And anyway, maybe they've already cordoned it off. It's been 24 hours. Just tell them what I said. We'll pick up the car later. It's upside down anyway.
Ted hesitated, frowning his eyebrows.
– Okay," he finally agreed. – I'll go. Is there anything you want me to pick up in town?
– Yes, you can buy a phone and a SIM card," Chris said. – I don't have a connection, but I'll have one. I lost my phone in the accident.
– Okay," Ted nodded. – Anything else?
– Can you get some food? – Chris asked. – Something you don't have to cook. I'm not in any condition to cook anytime soon.
