Page 127 of Perfectly Wild

Samuel is quiet when he arrives home.

“How was it?” I ask when we’re alone.

“Incredible. I’m still processing everything he told me. I might need to document some points he suggested.”

“Sure. We’re packed and need to get our bags in the car.”

“I’ll tell you about it later.” Samuel sits on the end of the bed with a notebook and writes frantically as though his pen can’t keep up with his trail of thoughts. It’s a déjà vu moment from Ulara. He still likes to use a notepad over the computer.

The drive to the Daintree was as picturesque as I imagined. We lined up to get the cars on a ferry to cross a river. Then we followed a narrow road lined with palm trees and thick shrubbery, and I knew we were close. We stopped to get biodynamic organic ice cream, and the flavors were amazing.

Dana and Samuel point out the window telling Rose to keep watch for a cassowary. We turn off a side road and drive up a long driveaway fenced in by the rainforest. All I can see is green with the occasional pop of color of heliconia flowers and pink-leafed plants. Kerry parks the car under the house.

“We’re here,” Dana announces.

My phone rings, and I almost don’t answer it as I’m excited to explore the house. Only it’s Amy.

“Hey, Amy.”

“Edes.”

Something is off with her tone and my thoughts race to Ethan, but I rein in any accusations.

“Is everything okay?”

“No. I’ve been in a car accident.”

“What?” I gasp.

“I’m okay. A few broken bones, that’s all. Ethan is fine apart from whiplash.”

“Oh, honey. What do you mean a few broken bones?”

Samuel stares, waiting to see if she’s okay. I mouth for him to go inside with Rose.

“A few cracked ribs and a broken collarbone.”

“Not a fun way to spend your holiday break, babe.”

“No.” She bursts into tears. “The other driver died at the scene. It was awful.”

“Oh, honey. I’m sorry.”

“I keep seeing her face. Apparently, she suffered a heart attack and crashed into us. I can’t stop seeing her bloodied face.”

I peer toward the house. I want to be here with Samuel, only I hate hearing my friend sound distressed. “I can come home. If you need a friend, I’ll be there.”

“It’s okay,” she sobs. “Ethan is here with me, and Yasmine is checking in. I’ll see you when you come home in a week.”

“Are you sure, Amy? Because if you want me to come home, I will.”

“No. I’m fine. I might need to call, okay? Because you’re the one I talk to when life is hard.”

My chest tightens. “Call anytime, Ames. I love you, and I’ll be home soon to give you a hug.”

I end the call.

For years, my tight circle of friends has supported each other.

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