Page 2 of Catching Dreams

“You’ve reached Mike Stone of Stone Auto Body Shop. I’m probably out working on a car right now. You can reach the shop office at 555-3032, and we’ll get back to you when we can.”

“Dad. Oh my god. Thank you for going to check on her. I was in the weight room and couldn't believe I didn’t hear your call. I feel lost not knowing what’s going on. She has to be okay. The name of her bakery is Cupcake Curveball! It’s on Main Street, just a few shops away from the baseball field, Campbell Field. It has a red and white awning, and you can’t miss it. I’ve tried to call her and some of the guys from my old team, but I haven’t heard anything back. Please call me with any information as soon as you can. This means more to me than anything. Thanks, Dad. They are making me play the game tonight, so if you call back and I don’t answer, that is why. When you find Molly, tell her I love her and to call me as soon as she can.”

6:47 p.m.

Carter: I know you’re getting ready to play tonight. We’re listening on the radio. Have you heard anything yet? Mom wants to know if you’re ok.

Me: Nothing yet. Game is starting so I can’t talk long. And I’m def NOT ok.

Carter: Mom said she hasn’t heard from dad since around 5:30 or so. She was so proud of him for going. We’re all worried about Molly.

Me: I still can’t believe he went! I just want to hear her voice. I can’t believe I have to play baseball right now.

6:58 p.m.

“I’m sorry but the voicemail box you have reached is currently full. Please try your call again later.”

“NO! Molly! Who filled up your mailbox? What am I saying? I know people are worried about you and love you. I just wanted to hear your voice! And now I’m crazy and leaving a voicemail when the box is full.”

7:23 p.m.

Caller ID: Meadow

“Hey, it’s Ty. You know what to do after the beep. If this is Molly, I love you, and I’ll talk to you soon.”

“What is going on? I just turned on my radio to listen for anything about the tornado, and they were talking about you actually playing in the game. I can’t believe they made you play! Have you heard anything? I know you’re freaking out because I am, too. Our girl has to be okay. She just has to. If you hear anything, please call me. Just so you know, she would want you to play the game as well as you can. She is so proud of you, Tyler, and she really loves you. I’m glad my bestie found her man. I’m going to go and try her and Penelope’s numbers 100 more times. They have to connect the calls again, eventually, right?”

7:36 p.m.

Caller ID: Unknown Number

“Hey, it’s Ty. You know what to do after the beep. If this is Molly, I love you, and I’ll talk to you soon.”

“Hi, I’m trying to reach Mr. Tyler Stone. My name is Becky Alexander from the American Red Cross. I work at the closest location to Trinity Falls, Ohio. We received information about a loved one, and if you would please contact us back at 800-555-4083, we will share that information with you.”

“Thank you, sir,” the gas station attendant said as he handed me my change. I took the paper cup of coffee and beef jerky from the counter and nodded at him. I noticed the tattooed artwork on his arms and had to make a comment.

“That’s amazing art,” I said and tilted my chin towards his forearm. It was of a dove sitting on an intricate, wooden-looking cross. Sunbeams filtered behind the cross, making it stand out and look almost three-dimensional.

The cashier’s grin grew, and his chest puffed out with pride. “Thanks, man. My buddy has a shop that’s not far from here if you want to get any ink.”

“I don’t have any tattoos, but my sons do, and I enjoy the art. Plus, I’m just passing through.”

“I hope you’re heading south. There was a bad tornado up north, and I know roads are closed everywhere.”

“That’s actually where I’m heading. My son’s fiancée lives in one of the towns that was hit, and I want to check on her.”

“Which town is that?” a customer behind me in line asked.

“Trinity Falls.”

“Oh, man. I heard there were several deaths and lots of injuries there,” the same customer commented before he pulled out his cell phone. “I know that the main highway closest to the town is closed, but if you look here, you can take these back roads. I also know these areas were affected.”

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