“Hey,” said Justin.

“Hey,” said Stacey.

She lay in the hospital bed, her back supported by a massive plastic brace. Tubes and wires connected her to multiple machines.

Justin started to speak but she shook her head. No other part of her body moved. “Get him,” she said.

Justin swallowed hard and blinked and then nodded and left before he started crying.

In his truck he listened to the phone ring. “Hey, Dad!” said Honor.

“Heya, Ho-Ho,” he said, trying to keep the tears out of his voice.

“What’s up?”

“Nothing,” he lied. “I just wanted to hear your voice.”

Chapter 36

Chapter 38