“William, your grandmother took a turn for the worse after you left,” Daniel told
him.
“What?” William asked. His grandmother seemed to be doing better early. His grip on
the phone tightened.
“You should get over here,” his father said. “The hospice nurse said she doesn’t
have much time.”
“Okay.”
“She said your grandmother may have about an hour left,” Daniel informed him.
“I'll be right there,” William said and hung up the phone.
He got up, leaving a confused Emily on the couch.
“I have to go,” William told her. “My dad said my grandma took a turn for the
worse.”
“Oh, I'm sorry,” Emily said, frowning. “Do you want me to come with you?”
“No, it's fine. Get some rest,” William responded. He leaned over and kissed her.
He grabbed a flannel shirt, his keys, and ran out the door.
The drive to his grandmother's house usually took ten minutes. It could take a
minute or two longer depending on the traffic and if he got stuck at any of the
lights.
He drove faster than usual, hoping to make it to his grandmother's house as soon as
possible. He made it through the first two lights without hitting red. It felt like
a good sign. At his current speed, he’d breeze through the next two. He drove only
six over the limit, and most local cops didn’t bother you unless you were going ten
over.
He made it through the next two lights, which was a further good sign. He was
making excellent time.