Out of the Woods

Paige

I leaned against the wall in the waiting room and sucked in what felt like my first deep breath since I’d heard Tom was hurt. The doctors here were so talented I could barely keep up with what they were saying, even when they spoke English, but even though they’d promised yesterday that Tom would wake up soon, I hadn’t been able to believe them. I’d fiddled with my phone. I’d texted Sera and Lauren that I was okay, that Tom was hurt but getting care, and I’d been receiving message of support since, but I hadn’t answered any of them. I couldn’t until I knew Tom was really out of the woods. Now, as my adrenaline finally started to taper off, I wanted to hear a friendly voice. I stood and walked to an out-of-the-way hall I’d found then called Lauren. It was midday in Philly, so she’d be at the shelter.

She picked up almost instantly. “Paige! I’m in the middle of a session, can I call you back?”

I smiled tiredly. The work came first. “Course. But when you do, can you grab Sera? I do