So what is up?
At first, I wasn’t too worried. I figured she just got caught up taking photos. Or, maybe there were other people at the lighthouse, and she lost track of time talking with them.
But that seemed unlikely.
That’s why I started texting and trying to call her a short while ago. I hate to be a nagging boyfriend, but too much time is passing.
Not to mention, I’m not getting any response.
Willa isn’t answering her phone…or replying to my texts.
That’s it.
Now I’m panicking.
Grabbing up the key fob, I run out of the house and hop into the Jeep.
As I race over to the lighthouse, all I can think about is shit likeWhat if she ran into a bad character?
Or what if she’s hurt?
I’ll die if something has happened to her.
I fucking love that girl.
Fuck, I should’ve told her that a long time ago.
When I reach the lighthouse, I jump out of the car and race over to the entrance.
Swinging open the door, I call out, “Willa? Willa? Are you in here?”
It takes a few seconds for my eyes to adjust to the dim interior.
When they do, I gasp.
Willa is lying at the base of the staircase, her phone on the ground next to her, and she is knocked out cold.
Holy fuck!
I race over to her and drop to my knees. “Willa, sweetheart…” I place her head on my lap and feel a big knot on the back. At least there’s no blood. But still, I cry out, “Oh my God, please be all right. Please wake up. Please”
Willa stirs a little, then begins to come to.
“Shane?” she whispers as her eyes flicker open.
I let out a relieved breath that at least she’s conscious now. Still, she most likely has a concussion. I know that from playing hockey all of my life. I’ve had a couple myself, so I’m aware of how important it is that we seek medical attention.
As I take out my phone and dial 9-1-1, I say, “Yes, it’s me, babe.”
“Where am I?” she asks groggily.
“You’re at the lighthouse. You must’ve fallen and gotten knocked out. But I’m here now. You’re going to be okay. I’m calling an ambulance.”
When the dispatcher picks up, I apprise them of the situation and where we are. They tell me they’ll send help right away.
Overcome with emotion, Willa starts to cry. “Shane,” she chokes out, “thank you so much for coming to look for me. Part of the railing gave way, and I got tripped up on a step and fell.”
“Sweetheart.” I gently smooth back her hair from her face to soothe her. “Don’t think about it. You’re going to be fine. And of course I’ll always come look for you. Do you know why?”
