Through the beam of his flashlight, Peter saw him—a man, haggard and unkempt, furiously working on the ship’s engine. His trembling hands fumbled with buttons and levers, desperation etched into every movement. The sudden light startled him, and he froze, his wide, bloodshot eyes meeting Peter’s in stunned silence.
For a few moments, neither spoke, the tension thick in the freezing air. The man’s chest heaved as he struggled to comprehend Peter’s presence. Then, as though a dam had burst, he dropped to his knees, sobbing uncontrollably. “Thank the gods,” he choked out. “I can’t believe someone finally found me.”