“Thanks for checking on me.”
“Of course. I’ll call you later.”
“I’ll be here.”
A ping on her tablet caught Jessica’s attention just as she was hanging up.
Hey, Jess,
It was the best part of my day too. My number is 555-789-1212 if you’re ever in need of free therapy and/or soup. ~ Aaron
She smiled as she read over his text for the third time.
“You look happy,” her mom said, walking into the room.
Jessica quickly closed the tablet case. “If I am, it’s because I have the best mom in the entire world. Honestly, I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Her mom reached down and smoothed Jessica’s hair with hands, like she did when she was little. “My good girl. I’m just so glad you’re here to look after.”
Jessica nodded, still raw from what might have happened. “Me too.”
“I’m making a pot of tomato soup. Do you want me to bring up a bowl or are you supposed to move around a bit so you don’t get too stiff?”
“I’ll come down.”
“I think that’s wise. My physiotherapist says motion is lotion,” her mom told her, turning toward the hall. “Take your time. It won’t be ready for a few minutes.”
As soon as her mom left the room, Jessica flipped the case open again and read over their messages one last time.My good girl.Nope. She wasn’t going to call him. That would definitely be crossing a line she wasn’t willing to cross, no matter how angry she was at her husband.
* * *
Secret Journal Entry
October 13th
No fantasy to report today, but I do have something important to say. It’s been three days since the collision, so this will be one of those dreadful entries about how my entire life was put into perspective the moment that truck slammed into my poor car. It’s true though. When you stare death in the face, you realize how freaking short life is. Because it is short. Horribly, terribly short. It’s that whole thing about life being that little dash between your birthdate and the date of your death on your tombstone.
So, no wonder I’m having fantasies about running away. I’m living someone else’s life. Someone boring with no ambition. But no more. The collision was like hitting the reset button. I am determined to forge a new path for myself. To do things that are exciting and meaningful. I don’t know what just yet, but I’m going to use this time while I’m laid up in bed to figure it out. Because for the first time in my adult life, I have nothing but time on my hands, and I intend to use it.
* * *
Snapchat Messages Between Noah and Liam
Noah: Brah, did you see Charmaine in that sweater today? Are they new or fake?
Liam: Totally sus. No way her tits grew that much over the weekend.
Noah: But they def look real. This is why we need to have a party.
Liam: Yeah, but not for at least two months. I’m grounded from life until then.
Noah: Shit, brah. What’d you do?
Liam: Swore at my mom. She was being a total bitch at supper.
Noah: And you said it?
Liam: I just couldn’t take any more nagging.
