Page 124 of Halo

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Sleet taps against the hospital windows as the parking lot turns into a slushy mess. People up north love giving us Southerners shit for losing our minds over a little ice and snow—and they're not entirely wrong. But we also don't live in this shit. We don't drive in it or walk in it, which only makes everything more dangerous.

I've decided I'm not going anywhere. There are empty call rooms upstairs, and with the roads getting worse by the hour, staying put makes more sense.

At least that's the reason I'm going with.

Truth is I can't leave knowing Leah is still here. She's preoccupied and probably doesn't need me tonight, but in the slight chance she does, I'm here.

After a long hot shower, I'm lying on top of the blankets when my phone lights up.

LEAH: Are you awake?

ME: Yes

Three typing dots appear, disappear … then appear again only to vanish a few seconds later. When it shows up for the third time, I groan.

Jesus Christ. Just say it, woman.

My phone vibrates.

LEAH: Can we maybe video call or something?

Fuck that.

My thumb hits the call button.

“I'm sorry.” She giggles softly.

My brow pinches. “Why are you apologizing?”

“I … I don't know. I guess I just hope I'm not bothering you—”

“Darlin’, listen to me: you are never a bother. Okay?”

She quietly hums. “Okay.”

“How's everybody doing?”

“Alright, all things considered. Rachel's sleeping, and the baby is doing okay. She miraculously has no brain bleeds.”

“Leah … my God, that’s great news.”

“Yeah, we're pretty relieved.” She chuckles anxiously. “Matt came back to the room to take a nap, and I'm … well …”

I sit up against the wall. “You're still at the hospital?”

“Yeah. I'm looking for coffee—”

“Darlin’, I'm coming to get you.”

She's quiet. “W-what? But it's awful outside—”

“I'm here. I'm in a call room.” I damn near trip over myself climbing out of bed. “Where are you? I'll come there.”

“Oh no, that's okay. I can find you. I'm getting on the elevator right now.” Her voice laces with anticipation as the doors close. “What floor are you on?”

“Second.”