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Brian hands me a clipboard with a packet to fill out. As I scribble in the information, the excitement pulses harder through my veins. This day keeps getting better and better. First a chance to join a new trial, and now a way to give back while doing something I love. It’s another step to becoming the independent person I want to be.

Once I finish filling out the forms, I return the clipboard and thank Brian for the opportunity. I turn to leave and spy a small group of children standing in front of an instructor, who asks them what they know about surfing. The children call out different aspects and information they know. One of them mentions how his father surfed and follows up by telling the group how his father died.

My throat tightens and my heart aches for the child.

Then my mind wanders. Mason. Oh my God. That boy could easily be Lucas’s son.

And Lucas could one day become that boy’s father.

Tears prick my eyes. The breeze against my skin feels colder. I wrap my arms around myself.

Lucas could die because of his job. A fact I never thought of before. One I’m not prepared to deal with. A cloud passes over the sun and I shiver in the sudden shade.

So much for my postcard-perfect day.

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