CHAPTER FORTY TWO – HELP FROM A FRIEND NOT TOO DISTANT

Suddenly, a commotion erupted at the edge of the village. The elder rushed towards them, eyes alight with excitement. He gestured animatedly, speaking rapidly in his native tongue. Kayla and Lance exchanged a puzzled glance until a familiar voice rang out from behind the elder. "Kayla? Lance? Is that really you?" Their heads whipped around to see a figure emerging from the shadows – a face they recognized instantly. It was Johann, their colleague and the reason for their ill-fated business trip. "Johann!" Lance exclaimed, rushing forward to embrace the bewildered man. "How did you find us?" Johann chuckled, still looking dazed. "It's a long story, my friend. But thank heavens you're both alive!" As the reunion unfolded, the pieces gradually fell into place. Johann, concerned when they failed to arrive at their intended destination, had launched a private search effort. Against all odds, his team had stumbled upon the remote village and learned of the crashed plane's survivors li