Reunion

ight, groaning at the headache that pounded against her temple. Memories of last night flooded her

er mom, dad, brother, and uncle had all wished her a happy birthday, and she felt a pang of guilt for not answering their calls. She retu

aii. Her flight and that of her friends were slated for that evening. She met up with h

ther. As the day wore on, Mia felt a sense of melancholy wash over her. She knew this woul

er with their birthday presents. Katie had asked her to make another wish as she handed a small cake with candles

ing out the candles in one breath. "What

ell you that, it won't c

. They had danced under the stars, sipping drinks and chatting with other vacationers the previous night. Mia

s car had lost brakes, and it somersaulted before going up in flames. He had been ru

ensive medical treatment. The first responders had managed to get them to the hospital i

n her face. "I can't believe this is happening. Why did it

k. "We have to stay strong, Mom. Dad's a fighter, he'll make it through,"

is face etched with worry. "Has anyone called Mia

't want to worry her. She would ret

ing Mia's number. He was surprised

the surroundings with warm hues as they chatted and laughed, their excitement palpable. The clock showed that they still had 30 minutes before their departure. Sh

el

voice "Mia, I need to tell you some

ank, fear gri

okay?" she a

condition, fight

d, and her phone sl

ay?" Her friend Paula asked, pla

uld

d to compose herself. "It's my dad," she manage

nother friend, Shelby, asked, h

cident," Mia said,

asked, her own voic

ad. "He's fighti

as best they could. Mia tried to calm down, b

help?" Shelby asked

tears with the back of her hand. "I need t

, her fingers shaking as s

ame through the other end,

with Dad?" Mia asked

said, her voice trembling. "But your dad's been in an accident. He's

What kind of accide

gery as soon as they arrived at the hospital. We're waiting for upd

with you, I'm about to board my flight"

flight is leaving in just a few minutes. You can't make it

her. She wanted to be there with her fami

ilot of your flight and we've just received word that your flight has been delayed for at least two hours due to unfore

ce to be with her family, to be there f

you help me change my flight?"

ls and see what I can do," the pilot s

arrangements to change her flight. Her friends wer

e here for you," Kathie s

s her friends. They had been there f

feel a sense of urgency. She needed to be there for h

worry and fear. She had no idea what was going to happen

the U.S, tired and anxious. She rushed to t

e hospital, tears streaming down her face,

ad okay?" Mila asked

r dad didn't make it," her mom

er dad, the pillar of strength in her fa

t be, Dad can't leave wit

cle standing in front of a room and she rushed in, dodging those who tried to stop her

r their loss. They shared stories and memories about

her friends. They had been there for her every step o

ways cherish the memories she had of her dad, and she would alwa