My fault for not being happy enough to pretend that all was right in the world. My fault for not eating enough.
Sniffing, I shifted, ready to stand and at least try to sleep. But I was stopped as bright blue and red lights flashed down our street.
Wide eyes, a new kind of worry set in.
An ambulance pulled up, stopping right in front of Mrs. Lee’s and Jasper’s house. A light flickered on, casting a glow through the kitchen, before light came through an open door.
Quickly, tripping over my feet, I rushed from my room and down the stairs. Dawn’s muttered confusion followed me as I skidded to a stop in front of the one window that looked towards the other house.
Was Jasper okay? Had he gotten hurt?
“Koda?” Dawn called, coming up behind me. “Oh.”
We both watched as well as we could through the flashing lights. They were blinding, and I wished they’d turn them off so I could see better.
Paramedics brought out a gurney, wheeling it into the house. Minutes later, it was brought back out, a form on it with blankets covering whoever it was.
“Looks like it’s Mrs. Lee,” Dawn whispered. “I’ll go see if Jasper needs a ride.”
And I’d stay here, I thought, not removing my stare from where it was pinned.
But she was right. As the gurney twisted just right, slipping into the back of the ambulance, I saw Mrs. Lee. In that one glance, she looked pale but it could have been from the lights flashing.
I hardly blinked as Dawn slipped away, and made her way towards next door, walking past the paramedic and straight to where Jasper stood, arms at his side.
It was maybe five, ten minutes at the most, for everything to happen. The ambulance disappeared the way it came, lights and siren on, leaving the area quiet and filled with dread.
With the tiny bit of light on the porch, I watch Dawn give Jasper a hug, then step away and make her way back. I didn’t turn away from the window until Jasper turned and went back into his own house, closing the door behind him.
“Koda?” Dawn flipped on a light, blinding me for a moment. “Will you be okay if I take Jasper to the hospital? I don’t think he should drive. Mrs. Lee seems to have had a stroke or heart attack.”
I nodded. Of course I’d be okay. It wasn’t like I was going to sleep well anyways.
“I’ll probably stay with him until he’s able to see her.”
“Okay.”
“Text me, and I can come back anytime.”
I nodded.
Dawn repeated the nod, grabbing what she needed before stepping out again with a quick ‘bye’. Going to the other window, I watched her get to the car and start it up, Jasper getting there moments later.
He paused long enough to spot me in the window before getting in the car. Never before had I wished that I could see his thoughts.
***
It was mid-morning when Dawn came back. I had been sitting on the couch, dozing and jerking upright at every sound that came through the house. This time, I shuffled to the front window in time to see Jasper and Dawn exit the car. Jasper’s shoulders were slouched, his entire posture filled with defeat. WhateverDawn said, he nodded then gave a small wave her way before he trekked to his house.
He didn’t turn to look at my house. He didn’t pull out his phone. Nothing but walking into his house and shutting the door behind him.
“Hey, dear.” Dawn yawned, slipping her shoes and jacket off at the door.
I waited on edge for any sort of news. I hadn’t gotten any texts about Mrs. Lee. No hints of what was to come. Just empty quietness as I waited for hours. I figured no news was good news.
“Mrs. Lee had a stroke. Her heart is weak, but her will is still strong. Sent Jasper home when he kept falling asleep in the waiting chair by her bed.”
“She’s okay?” I didn’t know much about those sorts of issues.
