Page 125 of In the Air Tonight

“I’m not sure, but we’re going to Aunt Maggie’s for a little bit. Did you finish packing?”

His little chin quivers. “I don’t want to go there. I want to go back to school to see my friends. I have basketball on Saturday. I can’t miss it. My team needs me.”

My heart breaks all over again. “Right now, we’re taking a vacation.”

“But I have school. I don’t want to go on a vacation.”

The front doorbell rings as I start to fear my head might explode.

“Get that,” Maggie says. “I’ve got him.”

I open the front door to find my next-door neighbor and close friend Aimee on my porch. I’m surprised to see her there holding a covered dish. Pushing the storm door open, I force a small smile. “Come in.”

“I brought dinner.”

She hands me the dish and a cloth bag. “It’s the ziti the kids love with salad, garlic bread and brownies.”

“Thank you so much.”

Tears fill her eyes. “I’m so, so sorry, Caro. We all are. We can’t imagine how you must be feeling.”

“I’m shattered.”

Maggie comes to take the food from me and smiles at Aimee, who she’s met a few times in the past.

“Do you remember my sister, Maggie?”

“Of course. I’m glad you’re here.”

“Me, too.”

Maggie leaves me to talk to my friend.

“What’re you going to do?” Aimee asks.

“I guess we’ll go to Maggie’s since we can’t very well stay here.”

“Yes, you can. Everyone feels awful for you and the kids.”

“They do?”

“Yes! My God, Caro. It’s not your fault or the kids’ fault that this happened. You have so many good friends in this town, who want to support you through this the way you’ve supported us through everything. You’re always the first one there with foodand compassion or anything we need. Don’t go. Stay here with us and let us help you.”

Tears roll down my face as she embraces me. “Thank you.”

“I know it’s not possible to believe it now, but you’ll get through this. I know you will.”

“I’m not so sure.”

“You will.”

“How will I pay the bills without him?”

“You’ll start getting paid for the confectionary works of art you make for every birthday party. I’ve told you before you should start a business.”

“I can’t do that with three little kids.”

“You can, and you will. We’ll help you. You’re not alone.”

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