“What does the doctor say?”
“They’re doing an EKG right now. They did a chest X-ray and blood work. They think it’s a heart condition. But they say they think they caught it soon enough that he will be okay.”
Her light sob is unmistakable.
“Mom,” I say, my heart tugging physically inside my chest. “I want to come sit with you.”
“Jace is here, Carli. If you could make a difference, I’d tell you to come. I’ll need you at the farm later. And I’ll give youa big hug when we’re all home tonight. Stay and do your job.”
She’s not mad or resentful. Still, a wave of guilt rushes through me—a chill sending shivers from my head to my toes.
I wipe a tear from my cheek.
“Carli, I know you want to comfort us. I feel your love from here. Stay at work. We’ll see you at dinner.”
“Okay, Mom.” I relent. “But call me if anything changes.”
“Of course I will. I would have called you sooner, it was just …”
“You don’t have to explain. I understand. You had to get him to the doctor and be present.”
“Oh! The nurse is calling me in. I’ll see you when you get home.”
“Okay, Mom. I love you.”
“Love you, too.”
I’m frozen for a moment.
My hand moves of its own accord, pulling my phone out from my purse to call Cody. I don’t second-guess my impulse.
He answers after the first ring.
“Hey?” Confusion fills his voice.
We don’t call one another at work. We barely call one another at all. Texting keeps things manageable and safely shielded.
“Can you meet me?” I ask.
“Are you okay?”
He must hear it in my voice.
“I am. Dad went to the doctor. Mom says something happened with his heart. They’re doing tests.”
“I can meet you. Of course. Now, or when?”
“Whenever you can get away. Now is good. But … when you can. I know you’re at work.”
“Now works. I’m sending you an address—the old train depot. Meet me there. I’m leaving now.”
“I’m leaving now too,” I tell him.
“Are you okay to drive?”
“Yeah. I am. I just need to see you.”
“I’ll be right there.”
