“Me too.”It’s a glimpse of my possible future, and I really want life to turn out this way.

I check the time,intent on finishing work early.I want to stop and get some snacks for tonight.It’s been a year since Fred got me and Carson back together, and movie nights have been a consistent thing.But tonight, instead of a movie, we’re playing a game.

Fred made the request, and I’m excited.

My cell phone buzzes just as I’m wrapping up a project for my boss.And I nearly let it roll to voicemail, intending to check messages after I finish.But Poppy’s name on the screen catches my attention.She has never called me at work.

“Hello.”

“Hi.This is Poppy.Carson asked me to call you.Well, he told Kent to ask me to call you.”

“Did something happen?”Between the edge in her voice and the pit in my stomach, I know something isn’t right.

“Carson had an accident while he was repairing a roof.I don’t know many details.Kent said that Carson was talking when they loaded him into the ambulance.”

I yank my purse out of the bottom drawer and shoot off a speed-typed email to my boss, letting him know I’ll finish the project remotely this evening.“What hospital?I’m on my way.”

She rattles off the name of the hospital and sighs.“It’s been chaos today.I’m supposed to pick up Fred, but the baby just threw up.Mason is home today with a tummy bug.And now this.Anyway, Carson wanted you to know that he was fine.Well, not fine, but very much alive.”

“I’ll pick up Fred.What time does he get out?”I’m walking toward the elevator as Poppy gives me the time and pickup location.If I leave now, I’ll just make it.“Does Fred know about the accident?”

“No.I was planning to tell him when I picked him up.That’s what Carson suggested.”

“Okay.Thank you so much for calling me.I truly appreciate it.”I end the call as I step onto the elevator and then focus on breathing.

Carson is alive.He asked Poppy to call me, so he’s at least alert enough to think of that.And I have to be calm for Fred.I don’t want the poor kid to panic.

When I pull up to the school, I roll down the window and wave.

Fred gives me a quizzical look and walks toward my car.He stops and looks in the window.“Hi.I thought Poppy was picking me up.”

“Hello.Clara has the tummy bug now, so I offered to pick you up.”I successfully avoid sounding like I’m on the verge of panic.“Hop in.”

He opens the door and drops into the passenger seat.“Thanks.I’m glad I don’t have to ride with Clara because I don’t want the bug.Being sick is no fun.”

“You’re very welcome.I’m happy to help.”I take a quick breath, then spew the next part.There is no way to cushion the news well.“Also, your dad had an accident today and is at the hospital.”

Fred’s eyes widen in fear.

“I’m not sure what his injuries are, but he asked Poppy to call me, so I know he’s alive.”I reach across the car and squeeze Fred’s hand.“I assume you want to go to the hospital with me.”

“Yeah.”He bobs his head.

“Do you need me to grab you some food on the way?”

“No.Let’s just go straight there.”He’s bouncing his leg, clearly worried.

As I pull away from the school, Carson calls my phone, and I answer on speaker.“Hello?”

“Is Fred with you?”

Fred leans forward, tugging on the seat belt.“Hi, Dad.We’re on our way to the hospital.”

“They’re transferring me to a hospital in San Antonio.Y’all can meet me there.I’ll text y’all the name.But you definitely have time to stop and get food because it’ll take a while to get there.And you don’t need to worry about me.I’m okay.My leg isn’t, but they’re going to fix that.”

Fred visibly relaxes.“I was worried about you.”

“I figured you would be.And, Fred, be brave for Daphne because I think she’s probably a little worried about me too.”