When she finally sighed and went limp, breathing slow and even, he placed her hands gently over her stomach, then picked up a blanket he found near by, and tucked it around her. Last, he scooted her just a bit so that she was not crammed against the arm of the couch, allowing her head and body to lie flat, before carefully placing his jacket, wadded into a pillow, under her head.<br/><br/>Satisfied that she was comfortable and would remain asleep for a long time, he set into action. First, he saw to it that Carl was bound, gagged, and secured in the other room. He would not be able to make enough noise, or move enough for her to hear him. She wouldn't have to know that he was still there. He knew it would only bother her to know that.<br/><br/>Next, he went outside, leaving the door unlocked and open to allow in the fresh mountain breeze. Clad only in the simple t-shirt, he found the pile of logs waiting to be split into firewood, and set to work with the axe. It only took him a while to make a pile large enough to keep them going for several days. Loading his arms with wood, he carried his burden inside and deposited it as quietly as possible neat the fireplace, piling it neatly.<br/><br/>As he was hot after so much work, and sweaty, he left the door open to allow the breeze inside. When he touched her cheek slightly, it was warm, and she was relaxed in sleep, so he felt certain she was not chilled. Working in the kitchen as quietly as he could manage, he chopped meat and vegetables, openned cans from the pantry, and placed a pot on the stove. Carrying a kettle outside, he filled it with water, then dumped it in the pot. Following the water, he tossed in the meat, the vegetables, some spices, and other ingredients to create a hearty stew that would simmer all day until perfect.<br/><br/>He ws hungry now, however, so he pulled a granola bar from the pantry and headed outside to wash up. when he returned, his hair was hanging wet around his shoulders, and he was clean after having bathed in the cold spring. Sitting beside the fire, he openned a book he'd found on the shelf in the corner and began reading. It was many hours later when she finally woke up. He'd long since dozed off, lulled into sleep by the comfort of the warm fire, the peace in knowing he'd saved a life. His head lolled to the side, resting on his shoulder. The book lay forgotten in his lap. His hair had drifted over his face and fluttered slightly each time he exhaled.<br/><br/>He stirred slightly when she woke, reacting to the noise, but didn't quite wake.