Re: Jurassic Park: Gwen & Peter
The raptors were way too close for comfort, but it was important that Gwen climb to safety first. It wasn't some stupid heroic gesture, it wasn't even something he thought about and decided; it just was. He'd never go before her. And maybe she didn't need the push, but it made him feel better. Survival was the goal here, and escape beyond that, and he got over that tiny bit of feeling bad for the herbivores pretty quick. He pressed himself against the tree like it would make him invisible, and he watched her pull herself up while the rain came down hard and heavy, and their dino pals either fled or ended up as dinner. She disappeared into the foliage, which was a relief, even though her scream literally made his heart stop for a second.
Okay, not literally, but close enough.
He reached to find a handhold of his own, to haul himself up, and his timing was pure luck; a raptor slammed into the very spot he'd been like, five seconds ago, before he started to climb. He didn't scream, but he swore loudly and scrambled to climb higher. Up, get up, and not looking down was super hard. The rain made it slippery, tricky to keep hold, and he flailed for a moment before he found Gwen's outstretched hand and took hold; well, he kind of grabbed onto her arm instead, but whatever. Point was, he made contact and he half-pulled, half-pushed himself up onto the branch she'd taken refuge on.
Breathe, he instructed himself. Breathe. He pushed his wet hair back, away from his eyes, and tried for a smile. "Higher!" He shouted, gesturing upward. She probably knew that already, but he still nudged her anyway.