I know that’s crazy, but I’ve seen crazier.
I’m startled when my screen lights up with a call from my sister. Furrowing my brows, I swipe to answer.
“Hey, lefty.”
“Oh my god, you’re awake. Is he alright?!” Her voice is frantic, and my adrenaline spikes, shooting me upright in bed.
“What…?”
Her question comes out with a soft whimper. “Where’s Keoni?!”
My heart feels like it’s floating somewhere outside my body, searching for home. “He’s… at work…” Goosebumps crawl across my left side, and numbness follows.
Especially when she says, “Ayden, there was a fire. A bad one.”
“How do you know…” My voice barely comes out, drowned by my racing pulse and Alysa’s frantic words.
“I’ve got the local news on my phone. For Dad. I never turned it off. Oh my god?—”
I hang up and immediately call Keo. The tightness in my throat makes me turn and sit at the edge of the bed. Bending forward eases some of the sickness creeping up my stomach, though not all of it.
Except when he doesn’t answer, I nearly vomit.
I call one more time, then slap my hand over my mouth as I shoot to my feet. No answer.
I grab one of his sweaters from the dresser and sprint out of the bedroom, sliding into my sneakers without socks and running straight out of the cabin.
Checking several ride-share apps, the soonest a car can get here is forty-five minutes.
No… no, no.
I pull up Calista’s number and dial, running through the freezing night along the gravel road. When she doesn’t answer, I scream in frustration before opening the group chat.
Neighbors of Sapphire Valley
Is anyone awake?!
Levi
Very good, early, morning, Ayden. Why are you awake?
I need a ride to the hospital now
Levi
Shit. We are in Switzerland.
What’s wrong?
I damn near drop my phone. Fucking Switzerland?!
Suddenly, my screen lights up with Calista’s name flashing across it.
I answer and keep running at full speed.
“Ayden?” Her sleepy voice tugs at me, but guilt never comes. It should, but right now, I just… don’t care.
“Calista, please. Drive me to the hospital.”
