“Jimmy, keep practicing that paradiddle, loud and in time.”  It was up to the boy now.  Dave lay back exhausted.

The boy banged that hollow log, eyes closed, finding comfort in the rhythm.

He played and played, his cheeks wet with tears.

The rescuers heard the call.

Was Dave alive?

Feeling optimistic after the success of her first submission, Anmari decided not to kill Dave off.