A Mustang Horse Fought for Hours to Survive the Forest Fire. Look Who Came to His Rescue

the entire forest was on fire smoke blackened the sky the heat was unbearable and everything seemed lost in the middle of this Inferno a Wild Mustang fought desperately to survive trapped between Flames exhaustion and fear but then something incredible happened a man appeared would he risk his life for a wild horse and would the Mustang trust him in time to escape what happened next will leave you speechless the air was thick with with smoke the sky darkened by swirling Ash everything around him crackled and burned the Towering Pines the dry underbrush the Earth itself Flames

Twisted through the forest devouring everything in their path Blaze ran his powerful Hooves pounded the scorched ground his Sleek Chestnut coat glistening with sweat and soot his muscles burned but he couldn't stop The Inferno was closing in from every side trapping him in a nightmare with no escape the fire had come fast a sudden explosion of heat and Terror he had been grazing peacefully near a stream when the first blast of Smoke Filled his lungs then came the sound a deep terrifying roar like a monster consuming the land Instinct took over he had bolted dodging

through trees pushing through burning branches that scorched his sides his wild Untamed Spirit told him to keep moving to find an opening anything that would lead him to safety but now there was nowhere left to run the flame surged ahead surrounding him on three sides the heat was unbearable singing his Mane burning his nostrils with every breath his dark eyes darted left and right frantic desperate trapped the only Direction left was a narrow path leading into a canyon its Rocky walls Rising high above him it was dangerous but the fire was worse with a final

desperate breath Blaze charged forward his Hooves kicking up Embers as he disappeared into the Canyon's Shadows miles away Owen Carter stood on the edge of a burning Ridge his breathing steady but tense behind his oxygen mask the 46-year-old Wildfire firefighter had seen countless infernos in his career but something about this one felt different the radio on his shoulder crackled to life Carter we're pulling back the fire's spreading too fast North sector is a lost cause Owen around scanning the burning valley below he knew what that meant everything in the path of the fire would be

left to burn including any wild life still trapped inside a deep knot formed in his stomach he had always hated this part copy that he said his voice tight I'll do one last sweep before heading out he turned his gaze back toward the Flames something in his gut telling him to stay just a little longer and then he saw it a flash of movement in the canyon below at first it was just a blur through the smoke but as the wind shifted he saw it clearly a horse a Wild Mustang running for its life Owen's

heart clenched the stallion was heading straight toward a dead end Cliff no no no no without thinking Owen grabbed his radio hold position he said I see something I'm going in Carter what the hell are you Owen turned off the radio and then he ran blazing skitted to a stop his Hooves kicking up dust and Ash his muscles trembled his lungs burned but nothing compared to the horror in front of him a sheer Cliff the canyon had betrayed him he turned his chest heaving but behind him the fire raged closer swallowing everything in a wall

of glowing Embers he was out of time his wild eyes darted frantically looking for a way out but there was none his heart pounded his instincts screaming at him then through the smoke a new scent reached his nostrils something strange unfamiliar and then a voice easy there big guy Blaze's ears snapped forward his body stilled nostrils flaring as he searched for the source of the sound then through the haze he saw him a man a figure emerging from the smoke wearing heavy fire gear a helmet a mask he wasn't running from the fire he was

coming toward it Blaze stomped his Hooves his Instinct screaming danger but the man didn't stop slowly cautiously he raised a hand I'm not going to hurt you he said his voice calm but we need to get out of here now Blaze's breathing was ragged his muscles coiled ready to flee or fight the man took another slow Step Closer the fire roared behind them the smoke thickening they were out of time Blaise had to decide fight run or trust and in the next second he made his choice Blaze's legs shook with exhaustion his Hub slipping against

the loose dirt near the Cliff's Edge his body was soaked in sweat his lungs burning from the Heat and smoke the fire roared behind him a living breathing monster its orange glow reflecting in his wide frantic eyes the man took another step forward Blaze snorted silently stomping his front hoofs his ears pinned back his instincts screamed at him don't trust don't let him get closer but the fire was pressing in its heat licking at his hind quarters offering no other way out Owen held up both hands his voice steady despite the chaos hey easy now

he said keeping his tone low calm I know you're scared but we don't have much time Blaze's tail whipped behind him his muscles tensing like a coiled spring ready to bolt over the edge if he had to the human smelled of smoke sweat and something sharp metal maybe the stallion's ears twitched slightly Owen saw it a sign of hesitation that was all he needed he took another step Blaze's Hooves skidded dangerously near the edge the ground beneath him was loose unstable if he moved wrong he'd fall Owen knew it too all right listen big guy

he murmured glancing at the sheer drop I know you don't trust me I wouldn't trust me either he slowly unclipped a rope from his belt making sure the Mustang could see his movements no surprises no sudden moves Blaze's nostrils flared he eyed the Rope suspiciously his body trembling with indecision Owen took another step now only a few feet away the heat behind them intensified the fire was closing in fast Spark rained down from burning branches the smoke thickening if they didn't move now it wouldn't matter if blae trusted him or not they'd both be dead

look I know you can run I've seen it Owen continued his voice didn't Shake but you can't run through fire you'll never make it Blaze stomped his hoof again his ears flicking back and forth the fire was screaming at him to run but the human he wasn't forcing him he was waiting let letting Blaze decide Owen could feel his own heart pounding sweat dripping down his back this was insane he should have turned back long ago but something about this mustang he couldn't walk away the stallion lowered his head slightly eyes locked on Owen's hands

a test Owen slowly reached out Palm up letting Blaze Take the Lead the Mustang hesitated his breath was ragged his chest heaving then finally he nudged Owen's hand just barely Owen exhaled sharply that was all the confirmation he needed all right partner he muttered moving quickly letun get out of here he moved to Blaze's side looping the Rope gently but firmly around his thick neck securing it without tightening Blaze tensed muscles Rippling but he didn't fight it trust a fragile delicate thing but right now it was the only thing keeping them alive the ground beneath

them trembled as another tree collapsed into the canyon sending sparks flying the wall of flames was now less than 30 ft away no more time Owen pulled on the Rope clicking his tongue come on big guy move blae hesitated for half a second then he leapt forward Owen ran beside him pulling the Rope just enough to guide him but not enough to restrain him the stallion's powerful muscles surged his Hooves kicking up Ash as they thundered toward a narrow Trail leading back up the canyon the fire chased them roaring like an angry Beast Blaze ran

faster than he ever had before Owen's lungs burned his legs screaming for relief but he didn't stop he could hear the fire snapping at their heels feel the heat clawing at his back just a little farther the trail curved sharply Blaze's Hooves skitted in the loose dirt but he adjusted mid-stride pushing forward the stallion knew he wanted to live Owen saw the opening ahead safety a break in the Flames if they could reach it the ground suddenly gave way beneath Blaze's front Hooves a hole hidden beneath Ash and debris collapsed under his weight the Mustang

screamed his legs buckling as he tumbled forward Owen lunged grabbing for the Rope just as Blaze fell his body twisting his hind legs kicking wildly the world spun into chaos Owen hit the ground hard his breath knocked from his lungs the Rope pulled tight in his grip his hands burning from the friction Blaze was dangling off the side of the trail his Hooves scrambled for traction his dark eyes wide with Terror he tried to pull himself up but the ground beneath him was crumbling Owen's muscles screamed his boots digging into the dirt the stallion was

too heavy the Rope began to slip through his fingers blae leted out a desperate cry his body sinking lower Owen gritted his teeth > not today big guy he growled you're not dying on me with one final surge of strength he pulled blae kicked with everything he had and then the stallion's hoves caught the edge with a mighty Lurch blae hauled himself back up he landed beside Owen his sides heaving his body trembling for a long moment they just stood there both alive Owen let out a breathless shaky laugh blae snorted his ear flicking forward

yeah Owen muttered resting a hand on his shoulder that was too damn close but they weren't safe yet because behind them the fire was still coming Owen's legs shook as he forced himself upright his breath ragged lungs still burning from the smoke his arm screamed with exhaustion but he refused to let go of the Rope they were alive blae Stood Beside him panting heavily his powerful chest rising and falling his dark sweat soaked coat glistened in the flickering light of the Flames his nostrils flaring with each deep breath his ears flicked toward Owen and for

the first time he didn't look afraid own pressed a hand against the Mustang's damp neck you good big guy bla snorted stamping his hoof once as if answering own let out a short breathless chuckle unbelievable but their moment of relief didn't last long a sudden crack tore through the air Owen's eyes snapped toward the ridge above them a massive Burning Tree had weakened at its base it groaned under its own weight Sparks ranning down from its blackened branches and then it started to fall Owen's Instinct screamed at him before his brain could catch up move

he roared Blaze launched forward his Hooves digging into the loose dirt barely clearing the Impact Zone as The Burning Tree Came Crashing Down just inches behind them a shock wave of Embers and dust exploded outward sending Owen stumbling blae winned sharply his ears pinned back as he kicked out in fear Owen coughed waving a hand to clear the dust his heart pounded like a war drum adrenaline surging through his veins that was too close he turned to blaze expecting to see the same panic in his eyes but the mustang wasn't running his chest still heaved

from exertion but he wasn't bolting toward the flames in blind Terror he was watching Owen and then just like before he made a choice he took a slow hesitant step toward the firefighter Owen's breath caught in his throat this horse this wild Untamed Mustang was choosing to stay Owen swallowed the lump in his throat all right partner he murmured let's get the hell out of here with the Flames closing in behind them they ran the trail Twisted uphill a brutal incline covered in loose dirt and Fallen branches each step was harder than the last but

Blaze powered forward his muscles straining but never slowing Owen ran beside him his legs screaming in protest his fire gear was Heavy the heat unbearable but he didn't stop the smoke was getting thicker The Firestorm growing louder they needed to find a way out fast a few yards ahead Owen spotted a break in the trees if they could make it there they might find Blaze suddenly skidded to a stop Owen nearly ran into him what the hell then he saw it the ground ahead was gone a massive Landslide had wiped out the path leaving nothing

but a steep drop into the canyon below Owen's stomach dropped No Way Forward no way back and the fire was almost on top of them Blaze paced anxiously his ears twitching nostrils flaring he could smell it too they were running out of time Owen's mind raced think damn it they needed another way out a faster way his eyes darted toward the slope beside them it wasn't a path it was a near vertical drop but he turned to blaze can you do this he muttered the Mustang's dark eyes locked onto his a split second of understanding

then Blaze leapt Owen's breath caught as the stallion launched off the ledge Hooves barely touching the unstable ground as he tore down the slope no hesitation no fear Owen had no choice but to follow he threw himself down the incline his boots skidding over the loose dirt he grabbed onto tree roots rocks anything that would slow his descent Blaze was ahead of him maneuvering with pure Instinct dodging Fallen logs finding footholds that Owen never could for the first time Owen wasn't leading he was following the ground leveled out and Owen hit the bottom hard barely

keeping his footing his body achd lungs burning blae was already there Standing Tall ears forward watching him Owen let out a shaky breath they had made it but they weren't safe yet the fire was still raging above them and now they were stuck at the bottom of the valley Blaise tossed his head sniffing the air looking thinking Owen narrowed his eyes he was searching for a way out Owen took a deep breath and nodded all right big guy he murmured lead the way and with that the Wild Mustang took off into the trees Owen followed

and for the first time he wasn't rescuing Blaze Blaze was rescuing him Blaze moved like a shadow weaving through the smoldering Valley with a speed and precision that no human could match his powerful muscles flexed beneath his smoke streak coat his Hooves kicking up dust and Embers as he navigated through the Maze of Fallen trees scorched Earth and burning debris Owen followed as fast as he could his fire gear feeling like a thlb weight strapped to his back his legs burned with exhaustion his lungs felt like they were filled with sand but he didn't stop

he trusted Blaze now the Mustang was leading them somewhere and Owen didn't dare question it the fire raged above swallowing everything in its path the valley had become a trap surrounded by walls of flames and crumbling Earth Owen could barely see past the thick clouds of smoke but blae never hesitated the stallion sniffed the air his ears flicking forward then he veered left taking off toward a narrow Winding Trail that seemed to lead Straight Into the Heart Of The Inferno Owen's heart pounded no no no he muttered pushing harder to keep up that's the wrong

then he saw it just beyond the Flames a break in the valley wall a way out Blaze had found it Owen's stomach tightened but they weren't safe yet the Flames were closing in fast licking at the trees swallowing the ground behind them the Narrow Path was their only shot at survival but it was treacherous steep Rocky barely wide enough for the Mustang to pass through if blae lost his footing if Owen tripped it was over the stallion snorted shaking his head he knew the risk and he was ready Owen gritted his teeth all right partner

he rasped let's finish this blae dug his Hooves into the dirt and ran Owen sprinted after him the path narrowed forcing Blaze to slow down carefully placing each step his hoof sent small rocks tumbling down the Steep drop but he didn't falter Owen's boots slipped on the loose terrain his balance wavering he grabbed onto a low hanging Branch his heart hammering as the Flames roared behind them then a deafening crack Owen's head snapped up just in time to see a flaming tree collapse above them its burning branches crashing down toward the narrow pass they weren't

going to make it blae skitted to a stop his chest heaving his dark eyes flashing there was no way forward Owen's stomach Twisted he had pushed the Mustang to trust him had fought to keep them alive but now he had led them into a dead end blae pawed the ground his ears flicking back toward the fire he was thinking calculating Owen's pulse pounded we need another way he muttered Blaze turned his head sharply then he looked up Owen followed his gaze the canyon wall it was steep almost impossible but not completely Owen's breath caught blae

was a wild horse built to survive built to climb built for impossible terrain could he do it Owen didn't have time to think the fire exploded behind them sending a wave of heat through the Narrow Path the Flames had found them Blaze reared up pawing the air air then he jumped Owen watched in stunned disbelief as the stallion dug his Hooves into the rocky incline muscles flexing as he climbed the canyon wall his back legs kicked off the ground sending a spray of dirt flying own had seen horses jump fences seen them leap over streams

but this Blaze was defying nature itself the stallion scrambled for footing his back ho slipping for a Split Second Owen's heart lunged into his throat but Blaze found his grip he pushed upward upward upward one final leap and he reached the top Owen wasn't breathing blae stood above the canyon his dark silhouette outlined by the fiery Sky his coat shimmering with sweat and Embers his chest heaved his nostrils flaring but he had made it Owen barely had time to process what he had just seen because then Blaze turned and he looked straight at him Owen's

breath hitched the stallion stomped his hoof once Owen's eyes widened blae wasn't leaving he was waiting Owen let out a rough breathless laugh you got to be kidding me the Flames roared licking at his back he didn't have a choice Owen ran for the wall his boots slipped on the loose dirt his arm scrambling for handholds he wasn't built for this he didn't have the power the speed the instincts but then Blaze moved the Mustang lowered his head stretched his neck down Owen's breath caught was he Blaze nudged him a push a signal he was

helping Owen gritted his teeth all right big guy he grabbed hold of Blaze's thick man with one final desperate pull Owen hauled himself up his legs burning his muscles screaming and then he was on Solid Ground Owen collapsed onto his back gasping for breath Blaze stood over him ears pricked forward watching Owen let out a horse laugh staring at the Smoke Filled sky you are not normal Blaze snorted Owen turned his head toward the Horizon the fire was still raging below but up here they were safe for the first time since the fire started they

had won Owen lay flat on his back his chest heaving staring up at the Smoke Filled Sky his arms burned his legs felt like they had been through hell and his lungs still fought for clean air but they had made it Blaze stood over him his muscular chest rising and falling his dark coat streaked with soot and sweat his nostrils flared as he released a deep breath the last remnants of panic fading from his sharp intelligent Eyes For the First Time Owen wasn't sure who had saved who he let out a horse chuckle tilting his

head toward the stallion you really are something else big guy blae snorted flicking his ears back toward Owen as if acknowledging the words but refusing to be impressed Owen pushed himself onto his elbows wincing as his muscles screamed in protest his fire gear felt like a ton of bricks strapped to his body every fiber of him wanted to collapse and stay there but they weren't completely safe yet he turned his gaze toward the Horizon where the fire still raged in the valley below the worst of it was behind them but the air was still thick

with with smoke and the land was scorched black as far as the eye could see they had survived the worst of The Inferno but now came the next problem getting out of here Owen slowly climbed to his feet rolling his shoulders and stretching his aching legs he was dehydrated exhausted and running on fumes but he had one advantage he wasn't alone blae stood nearby his ears flicking toward the distant crackling of the fire he shifted his weight glancing at Owen as if waiting for him to make a decision Owen wiped the sweat and soot from

his forehead yeah yeah I hear you he muttered no time to rest the Mustang let out a deep Huff as if satisfied with that answer then turned toward the open Plains stretching beyond the canyon Owen frowned you know the way out don't you blae paused glanced at him then took a few careful steps forward Owen let out a breath he wasn't leading anymore Blaze was all right partner Owen murmured take us home with that they set off together leaving the fire behind the land ahead of them was a mixture of Destruction and survival parts of

the forest were completely burned reduced to nothing but charred stumps and blackened Earth other areas had been spared where patches of green still clung to life Blaze moved with confidence his Hooves light against the ash covered ground he seemed to know exactly where to go taking careful routes through areas with the least damage Owen followed trusting the Mustangs instincts the deeper they went the quieter it became the Roar of the fire faded into the distance replaced by the Eerie Silence of a land that had survived destruction Owen's radio crackled to life his heart jumped he

had almost forgotten about it he grabbed it from his belt pressing the button Carter Carter do you copy it was his team Owen's throat felt dry as he lifted the radio I'm here a long pause then Jesus Carter we thought you were dead Owen let out a slow breath not yet where the hell are you Owen glanced at blae who was still Leading The Way Forward he had no idea where they were I'll get back to you on that Owen muttered shaking his head a burst of static then do you need a rescue Owen's gaze

shifted back to blaze did he need a rescue he looked around the Mustang was leading them through untouched terrain navigating through the Wilderness with the ease of an animal that belonged here Owen didn't belong here but blae did his chest tightened with the realization Blaze wasn't coming with him Owen pressed the radio button negative he said finally I'm moving another pause then copy that we'll track your signal the radio went silent Owen let out a slow breath and looked at the stallion again blae had stopped walking he stood at the edge of a hill overlooking

a vast stretch of open Plains the land Beyond was Untouched by fire a safe place blae knew it too Owen swallowed hard this was it this was where they would part ways the Mustangs ears flicked toward him he was waiting Owen took a step forward placing a hand on the stallion's damp coat for a moment neither of them moved then in in a voice barely above a whisper Owen said you're free now big guy Blaze's ears twitched then he took a step back and another his dark eyes lingered on Owen for a few more seconds

then he turned and he ran Owen watched him go his chest tight his throat thick with something he didn't want to name Blaze disappeared into the Horizon his powerful legs carrying him back to where he belonged the firefighter stood alone staring after him and then with a tired Bittersweet smile he lifted the radio back to his lips all right boys let's go home the open planes stretched endlessly before him the last remnants of smoke curling in the distant Sky Blaze was gone his powerful frame had vanished into the Horizon his Chestnut coat blending into the

untouched Wilderness Owen stood Frozen his body aching his mind racing this was it the fire was behind him he was alive Blaze was free so why the hell did he feel like something was missing Owen inhaled deeply trying to shake the strange heaviness settling in his chest the Mustang was wild he belonged here this was the right thing so why did it feel so wrong a gust of wind kicked up carrying the faint sound of hoof beats Owen stiffened his heart leaping before he could stop it he turned sharply nothing just empty planes he let

out a slow breath shaking his head damn it Carter the exhaustion was playing tricks on him with one last glance toward the Horizon Owen finally lifted His Radio I'm heading toward the nearest checkpoint he said his voice rough copy that we'll send a transport Owen didn't reply instead he took his first step toward home the hike back was longer than he expected every step sent a fresh wave of pain through his legs reminding him that he had just survived a godamn wildfire his fire gear felt heavier than ever dragging on his shoulders but the silence

around him was louder than the Flames had been he thought about Blaze about the way the Mustang had looked at him before leaving Owen clenched his jaw that horse wasn't normal not just because he had survived the fire not just because he had helped Owen climb that Canyon wall but because For the First Time in years Owen had felt something connection and then he had Let It Go the wind shifted again rustling through the scorched trees carrying another sound this time Owen knew he wasn't imagining it hoof beats his pulse jumped Owen Whirled around and

his heart stopped there standing at the top of the hill was Blaze the Mustang's chest still heaved his coat still streak with soot but his dark eyes were locked onto Owen he wasn't running he was waiting Owen's throat tightened you got to be kidding me Blaze stomped his Hof once his ears flicking forward Owen took a slow Step Closer You Came Back Blaze's tail flicked as if unimpressed by the question Owen let out a breathless laugh running a hand through his sweat damp hair the Mustang had been free he could have disappeared Into the Wilderness

without a second thought but he chose to return Owen shook his head a slow grin forming on his face I guess I can't argue with you blaze snorted Owen side resting his hands on his hips all right big guy if you're coming with me let's do this right slowly carefully he stepped forward lifting a hand toward Blaze's muzzle the Mustang didn't move away instead he lowered his head letting Owen's fingers brushed gently over his strong battle scarred face Owen swallowed hard trust it was something he hadn't given easily in a long time but this horse

this wild Untamed creature had given it to him first Owen exhaled stepping to Blaze's side all right letun get out of here without hesitation blae lowered himself slightly an unspoken invitation Owen blinked you serious Blaise flicked an ear Owen let out a short disbelieving chuckle all right fine with one last breath Owen grabbed hold of Blaze's thick man and pulled himself onto the Mustang's back the second he was settled Blaze took off the world blurred around them the wind whipping through Owen's hair his exhaustion his pain his doubts they all disappeared for the first time

in years he felt alive and with every powerful stride he knew one thing for sure Blaze wasn't just any horse he was home Blaze moved like the wind his powerful muscles Rippling beneath Owen as they raced across the open Plains the firefighter leaned forward gripping the Mustang's thick man the burn in his muscles fading beneath the sheer adrenaline of the ride for the first time in years Owen wasn't running from something he was moving forward the land stretched wide before them Untouched by fire the golden light of dawn creeping Over the Horizon the nightmare sherno

was behind them now nothing but smoke in the distance they had survived together blae slowed his Pace his hoov striking softer ground as they approached a dirt road the first sign of civilization in miles a fire truck sat parked in the the distance its red lights still flashing Owen's radio crackled Carter do you copy Owen exhaled pressing the button yeah I'm here a long silence then Jesus Carter where the hell did you find a horse Owen chuckled running a hand along Blaze's soot stre neck long story you all right Owen looked down at the Mustang

beneath him the horse who had saved his life as much as he had saved his he nodded yeah I'm good Blaze stopped near the truck his ears flicking toward the unfamiliar sound of approaching voices a few firefighters stepped forward their expressions shifting from relief to Pure confusion when they saw Owen mounted on a Wild Mustang Owen slid off Blaze's back his boots hitting the dirt with a solid thud he winced slightly his body still achd from everything they had been through one of the firefighters a younger guy named Mason stepped forward so you just found

him in the fire Owen let out a breath glancing at Blaze something like that Blaze stood tall his dark eyes scanning The Strangers his muscles still tense with that Untamed energy but he didn't bolt he didn't run Owen reached up resting a hand against Blaze's strong neck the Mustang's ears flicked toward him Mason cleared his throat you uh you bringing him back with us Owen hesitated the question should have been simple blae was a wild horse he belonged out here running free but the thought of walking away from him now made something twist deep in

Owen's chest he looked into Blaze's dark intelligent eyes the Mustang had chosen to return to him once and Owen knew he wouldn't be the one to walk away his grip tightened slightly on Blaze's man a quiet decision forming in his mind Mason raised an eyebrow Carter Owen exhaled turning toward the truck yeah heun's coming with me Mason blinked you serious Owen smirked dead serious blae snorted tossing his head as if agreeing Mason let out a slow whistle well hell guess you made a new best friend Owen patted Blaze's neck not just a friend something more

the firefighter turned toward the truck letun head out Mason hesitated uh how exactly are we transport supporting a Wild Mustang ow grinned glancing back at blae we're not blae flicked his tail already stepping forward as Owen grabbed his man and swung back onto his back the other firefighters just stared Mason muttered that's got to be the craziest thing I've ever seen Owen smirked giving blae a small nudge with his heels you should have seen the rest of it Blaze took off Galloping alongside the fir trck the wind rushing past them the Horizon stretch ing wide

and open Owen didn't know exactly what came next but for the first time in a long time he wasn't afraid to find out and with blae at his side he knew one thing for sure he had found something worth holding on to blae and Owen's Journey was nothing short of miraculous what started as a desperate fight for survival became a bond forged in fire a connection between a man and a Mustang that neither of them expected Owen thought he was The Rescuer but in the end Blaze saved him just as much and now their story

continues together if this story inspired you make sure to subscribe to the channel hit the like button and share this video with someone who loves incredible animal rescues what would you have done in Owen's place let us know in the comments and remember sometimes the ones we save end up saving us