He paused, his tone shocked. “You’re… not upset?”
“Why would I be upset? You laid it out; doctors look after people first. I get what you mean.”
It made sense.
Back then, I would have already thrown a tantrum, crying and pushing for a reason.
I used to be foolish, thinking that the one who cries gets a treat.
But I forgot that someone who truly cares gave you the treat even when you stay quiet.
Quiet hung on the other end for a long beat.
“Tonight I’ll come get you. Wait for me at the airport.”
The ride from the airport to home took an hour and a half.
I didn’t turn him down.
By the time the plane touched down, it was already past 1 a.m.
Outside the airport, lightning cracked, and rain poured in heavy sheets.
I looked around but didn’t spot Chase.
I checked my screen, and the flight info that I had sent him ahead of time was right.
I rang his number.
Eight tries, yet no reply.
I stayed another thirty minutes, then finally waved down a taxi.
Inside the taxi, I slept and woke again as the car bounced along the road.
Jolted awake by a loud burst of thunder, I naturally stared out the glass.
Through the heavy downpour, this wasn’t the route home.
My chest tightened.