madneyporchengagement:
Athena, more than almost anyone else, knows how hard Maddie fought to survive at Big Bear. Athena likely helped Buck with the initial first aid until medics arrived. Athena listened as Maddie whispered that Doug was dead, she’s sorry, but he was gonna kill her. When Buck left with Maddie, Athena hiked to Doug’s body and witnessed first-hand just how desperate Maddie’s fight had been. And Maddie knows Athena understands because it was likely Athena that Maddie gave her statement to at the hospital and it was Athena who reassured her that she had no other choice than to kill Doug.
So that scene at the hospital between Athena and Maddie is so much more than Athena congratulating Maddie on her engagement. It’s Athena, who saw Maddie in her most vulnerable state and called her strong, being proud that Maddie has rebuilt herself and her life. And it’s Maddie, who has worked so hard to heal and grow and who knows how hard Athena fought to bring her home, relishing the reality that she’s survived long enough to build this glorious life Athena can be proud of.
(via usercowboy)