In this excerpt from "The Calling" by Kelley Armstrong, the narrator, overwhelmed with emotion, sees Rafe emerging from the forest with a grin. This moment brings a rush of memories back, particularly the painful one of him falling from a helicopter. The narrator wishes to hold onto this fleeting vision of Rafe, desiring another glimpse of him despite acknowledging the pain associated with it.

Rafe’s casual remark about his appearance highlights a moment of levity amid the intensity of the situation. It contrasts sharply with the narrator's turmoil and desperation, reflecting the complicated emotions tied to loss and the longing for connection. The scene captures a moment of hope amidst despair, emphasizing the struggle between memory and reality.