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Carter was higher up in the profession. And he had asked me if it was okay to add me to the phone tree.

I had readily agreed.

And I was thankful I had. In a situation like this, everyone needed support.

I lifted my phone and then felt my tears that I had thought had all dried up start spilling down my cheeks.

I hurriedly wiped them away, and then bleary-eyed. I read what was on my phone.

Sin – I’m okay.

I read it.

Over.

And over.

And over.

Then I looked at everyone and said, “He’s okay.”

Sighs of thankfulness lit up the room.

A few tears were wiped away.

Smiles replaced looks of sorrow.

Sin – Where are you?

Me – Your parents’ house.

Sin – Call you in a minute. Put me on speaker. Okay?

Me – Okay. I love you.

Sin – Fuck. Love you more.

Then I looked at everyone and said, “He’s calling in a minute.

Within that minute, everyone who was asleep was woken up.

Then my phone rang, I swiped to answer it, and then put it on speaker.

Immediately, I said, “Hey, honey.”

Hearing his voice, knowing that he was alive, it took a beat for my heart to catch up with my brain, “Hey, baby. Am I on speaker?’

“Yes,” I said.

“We love you, Carter,” Misty called out.

“Love y’all too.” Then I heard him swallow. “I’m headed to the closest hospital that has a trauma one unit. Dallas. Baby, I need you to get on a plane. Need you here.”

I nodded, “I will.”

He was quiet for a beat when he said, “We lost nineteen people. Including Sam. And..... Joey.”

I inhaled a breath, “Oh no.”