Page 23 of Everything She Feared

I can’t think about that now.

She parked the Trailblazer in the driveway.

They entered the house in silence. Sara grappled with a numbing sense of unreality, striving to find order in something mundane.

“Have you eaten anything?” Sara asked.

Katie shook her head.

“How about a banana smoothie?” Sara said.

Katie shrugged.

Sara started making it, preferring the activity to the raw quiet and her jumbled thoughts and emotions. She made enough for both of them, then checked her phone.

News of the tragedy had moved with viral speed. Friends offered concern, condolences and support.

I just saw the tragic news about Katie’s group, Val Rossi, her friend and neighbor, had texted.Let me know what I can do, dear.

Sara took a second, then texted back:I will. Thank you, Val.

Another message was from a paramedic, relayed by Detective Pierce. It reiterated that Katie was experiencing mild shock, advising Sara to keep her calm and rested. Then she got an email from the Sunny Days Youth Center.

Dear Parents and Guardians:

It is with deep sadness that we inform you about a recent loss to our Sunny Days community during a day trip to Sparrow Song Park. The death of one of our volunteers will raise many emotions, concerns and questions for everyone.

We’re arranging for a Crisis Intervention Team made up of professionals specially trained to help at difficult times such as this. The team of counselors will be available at no cost for any child, parent, relative, friend, staff member or volunteer who may want help or any type of assistance surrounding this loss.

We’ve enclosed details of the times and dates the team will be available.

We are profoundly saddened by the loss and are making every effort to help everyone involved.

Sincerely,

Violet Juarez

Director

Sara’s phone rang. It was Mel from the diner, so she answered.

“Hey, Sara, we’ve been trying to reach you. It’s online and all over the news that a girl was killed at Katie’s camp.”

Sara stifled a sob and left the kitchen to talk.

“Are you alright, kid?” He’d called herkidsince the day he hired her.

“Not really. Katie was there. She saw the girl fall.”

“What? Damn! Oh, geez!”

A second passed and Sara turned to ensure Katie couldn’t hear.

“Do you need help? What can we do?” Mel said.

“No,” Sara said, fighting for control of her emotions. “No, thank you. I think I’m going to need a couple days, you know?”

“Absolutely, take whatever you need. We’ll cover your shifts.”

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