C54 Fifty Four

After I’ve spent several seconds working on my breathing and quieting my panic, I glance up at Mack, because before I start climbing, an act that could still end in my death, I have to look at him again. We lock gazes. “I love you.”

He narrows his eyes. “This isn’t you saying goodbye, is it?”

I smile. “No. Telling you—hearing you say you love me—seems to give me strength.” His eyes soften