Finding A New Normal

By Alton Brit

Frank and Ellen Mosley have been married for almost 29 years and they are very much in love. They have a great life together. They are looking forward to a romantic getaway, until she doesn't come home from work the day before they are to leave town. Questions about what led her to be where she was, at the time of the accident, lead Frank to embark on a quest to find out exactly what happened on the day of the accident. Frank seeks answers to questions about the accident and his marriage, to find the closure that will allow him to move on with his life. Along the way, he discovers it may be possible to be happy again.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alton Brit
• Release date: Apr 14, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301733798

Alton Brit

I am an author. I am or have been a son, brother, friend, student, husband, father, instructor, grandfather, co-worker, employee, and many other roles, too numerous to list. I have a lot of experience in a lot of ordinary roles. After 32 years in the workforce, I retired and I now have the time to write the rest of the stories whose cryptic story lines only exist in randomly named files on my computer. These stories chronicle ordinary, everyday people whose lives are changed by opportunities, chance happenings and extraordinary events. Some are happy, others sad and others romantic. Most are unfinished, so they may become something all together different than I currently expect. Life provides the raw materials. Imagination ties it all together.

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Finding A New Normal

By Alton Britt

Copyright 2013 Alton Brit

Smashwords Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes: This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase you own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 1

Wednesday July 6, 2011. Ellen Mosley parked her black Lincoln Navigator in front of the local Kwik Lube in Green Mills. She checked her watch. It was a few minutes before 7 o'clock. She was there to get an oil change. The day was already hot and it promised to be a scorcher. Len, the manager, was surprised to see Mrs. Mosley this morning, or any morning for that matter. In the five years Kwik Lube had been in business, Ellen Mosley had been a regular customer, but he never recalled her arriving before noon, much less before the doors opened.

As the bay door began rising, Ellen left the cool air inside her Navigator and took up a position beside the door. She would be ready to conduct business as soon as Len was ready.

He pulled a red bandana from his pocket and wiped the sweat from his face as he walked from the service bay to the doorway. Good morning, Mrs. Mosley, I don't believe I've ever seen you here this early. What can I do for you?

Well Len, I'm due for an oil change and I decided it wouldn't be as hot to walk to the office this morning as it will be at noon. Normally I can leave it all afternoon, but this time, I need it as soon as you can get to it.

You are in luck. As you can see, you are first in line. If you like, you can wait about twenty minutes and take it with you. You can drive to your office and you won't have to walk in the heat at all.

That does sound like good luck. I believe I'll do just that. You may be seeing me early from now on.

Are you going to have the usual oil change and lube?

That's it.

If you want, you can sit in the waiting area. It's cool inside and I just made some fresh coffee.

Thanks Len. Ellen went inside after retrieving her planner and tablet computer from the SUV. She chose to skip the coffee this morning. She had a more urgent task at hand. Ellen was in the process of transferring contacts from her old leather planner to her new tablet computer. For the past two weeks, any time she found herself in a waiting situation, she used the time to enter contacts from her planner into the tablet. She had made it to the Ts and couldn't wait to be finished. This morning, long before she could get to the first V, Len stuck his head in the door and announced that her Navigator was ready. She put up the planner and computer and was waiting at the counter when Len walked back inside to ring up the service. He handed her the invoice and she quickly looked it over. It's less than usual.

That's because this morning you get my early bird discount.

Oh, really.

Before 9:30, I give a discount.

I didn't know that.

I don't advertise it.

After Len returned her credit card, he said, I appreciate your business. I hope you'll come back again.

As Ellen stuck the ticket into her planner, she wondered where she would put receipts like this one and the other miscellaneous papers she tended to collect in the course of a day, after she completed the transition to her tablet computer. She climbed into the Navigator and drove the block and a half to her office. When she started to get out of the SUV, she saw the oil change invoice sticking out of the planner. She pulled it out and left it on passenger seat.

Ellen walked into the offices of Pro Realty, a few minutes before 7:30. She made it a point to go into the office most mornings, but she usually didn't stay very long. This particular morning she had some paperwork to do, so she planned to be there until a one o'clock appointment. A couple called on Tuesday with an interest in rural, single family homes with up to ten acres.

The Pooles arrived fifteen minutes early for their appointment. Ellen was pleased. She talked to them for a few minutes in her office to determine their requirements and how much they were willing to spend before they loaded into her Navigator and began their search. She recorded her beginning mileage, as usual, but for the first time, in her new tablet computer. Ellen showed them three properties and returned to her office by 4:30.

The Pooles expressed moderate interest in one of the properties, but had no interest in the other two. They wanted to think about that one property over the weekend and schedule some more time to get together on Monday to look at more listings. They made an appointment to be back at 10 o'clock the following Monday.

Frank got home from work before Ellen, so he started preparing their dinner. She arrived a few minutes later and helped him with the final touches. After dinner, they spent a quiet evening at home. Before bed time, Ellen reminded Frank that she had a surprise planned for the weekend and he needed to be home by 5:15 on Friday.

This surprise was nothing new. Frank lately had started calling Ellen his travel agent. Two or three times a year she planned romantic getaways for them. She began doing this after their daughters left home. The getaways were usually to a bed and breakfast within a hundred miles or so, but one time she told him clear his calendar for a week and they flew to Key West for the whole week. Since they would be out of town for the weekend, Frank decided to mow the lawn on Thursday afternoon instead of waiting until Friday or Saturday.

Thursday morning, Frank and Ellen got up at their regular time and dressed for work. They straightened up the kitchen after breakfast and walked to the garage after a quick kiss good bye. They backed their vehicles out of the driveway and drove to the end of the street. Frank waited behind Ellen at the stop sign. As they waited for their turn, she looked up into her mirror. He was surprised and concerned to see the backup light momentarily flash as she put the Navigator into park. Her door quickly swung open and she ran back to Frank's window. He rolled his window down as she ran to his door and used her index finger to make a 'come here' motion. He leaned out the window, to find out what the problem was. She reached up and took both his cheeks in her hands and gave him a really good kiss, considering they were in the middle of the road.

What was that for? He asked.

I just wanted to kiss and tell you, I Love You.

I Love You too.

While he was still recovering from her stunt, Ellen ran back to her SUV, jumped in, shifted to drive, waved and drove away. She turned left. He pulled up to the corner and turned right. Even though Frank knew Ellen couldn't see him, he waved again while he could still see her in his rear view mirror. He had the feeling this weekend would be VERY memorable.

At Pro Realty, it was a typical Thursday morning. At eight o'clock the staff met to discuss the coming weekend's open houses, the June monthly associate and company sales goals, and anything else Julie, the managing agent, felt was important. The meeting this morning was over by 8:45. When it broke up, Ellen went back to her office and continued entering contacts in her tablet. By nine o'clock she began to get fidgety. Ellen had a long list of things to get done by close of business Friday, and none of it could be accomplished while sitting in her office. She wanted to tie up some loose ends before she and Frank left town for the weekend.

Ellen made up her mind to get out of the office at 9:30. Before leaving, she checked to see that she had all the tools of her trade. Her tools consisted of her cell phone, Multiple Listing Service notebook, tablet computer and the old daily planner it was replacing. On her way out, she told Erin, the receptionist, that she would probably be out the rest of the day. She had an errand to run and she was going to look at some property. It was typical of an exit comment from a staff agent on her way out of the office.

A few hours later, at an office across town, I knew it was almost time to go home when the telephone on my desk began to ring. Out of habit, I looked to check the time. The display on the phone proudly announced it to be 4:28. My computer was in the process of shutting down.

Too bad for you. You'll have to wait til tomorrow. I have grass to cut at home, I said with a cynical smile, to the ringing phone.

You see, I professed a personal policy of not answering my work phone within ten minutes of quitting time. The policy was a result of years of experience. Before I learned my lesson, I often found myself still at my desk, long after quitting time, working on computer problems that could have easily waited til the next day. Even though I announced my policy countless times over the years to anyone that would listen, the phone frequently rings after 4:20. I nearly always violate my own policy, but not today. After the fourth ring, the phone went silent. I continued packing up my computer to go home. I pulled open the drawer and picked up my personal cell phone and clipped it to my belt. I usually leave it in my desk drawer when I am at the office. I don't want my cell phone to be a distraction as I work with people throughout the building. I closed the drawer and picked up my computer bag. As I turned off the lights, I noticed the blinking light on my desk phone indicating a voice mail message.

Whatever it was could wait until tomorrow. I walked out. Ten minutes later, on the highway going home, my cell phone began to ring. I pulled it from the holster on my belt without looking away from the road. I held it up long enough to see that the call was from a number I didn't recognize. I ignored the call.

When I turned onto our street, my eyes automatically were drawn to our house. I pressed the button on the automatic garage door opener at my usual spot, three houses down the street. The door was completely open by the time I turned into the driveway. Ellen's Lincoln was not in the garage, but that was no big deal. In the Real Estate business, it was not unusual for her to have a late appointment.

At our house, it was the responsibility of the first one home in the afternoon to gather the mail, so I walked to the end of the driveway to check the mailbox. On the walk back, I thumbed through the stack. I left the garage door up since Ellen should be home soon. Inside, I dropped off the mail at the usual spot on the kitchen table. I looked on the refrigerator for a note from Ellen, but didn't find one.

A few minutes later, after changing my clothes and pouring a nice big glass of iced tea that I knew would hit the spot shortly, I walked to my work shop to get the mower. It started on the first pull.

I know that many people will consider it weird, but I must confess that I like cutting grass. I'm not sure just what it is, but for some reason, I do some of my most productive thinking while following my lawn mower around my lawn. Over the years, I have worked through countless problems and challenges while mowing. During the rest of the year when I have a problem and no grass to mow, I wonder if I am as productive. I figure there is probably similar therapeutic value to be found operating a snow blower, but I have never lived where there was enough snow to warrant one.

Two hours later, the lawn looked great, but Ellen still wasn't home. I was hot and tired so I decided to take a shower before she got home. I tried calling her cell, one more time before I got in the shower. After my shower, I dressed, picked up the stack of mail from the kitchen table and sought out my favorite chair in the family room. Instead of cooking tonight, I decided to take Ellen out to eat, as soon as she got home. We did that a lot on nights when she had late appointments. I sifted through the mail, opened a bill, then glanced at the ads before turning to my magazines. When I finished looking at one of the magazines and checked the time, I began to get concerned.

I realized I didn't have my cell phone with me, so I walked to the bedroom to get it. As I walked back to the living room, I checked to see if I had any missed calls. There was the unknown number from the call I missed on my trip home. It was the last call listed on the incoming call list. I was about to put the phone down when it began to ring. It was the same number as the missed call.

Hello.

Is this Franklin Mosley?

Yes, it is. Can I help you?

Mr. Mosley, I'm Captain John Doan with the State Police. Mr. Mosley, your wife has been involved in an automobile accident. I nearly dropped the phone. I sat down in my recliner.

Is, is she, okay?

Mr. Mosley, your wife was in an accident this afternoon at approximately 4:00 pm on state highway 268 westbound, approximately five miles east of Hickory Corner.

I don't understand. What was she doing there?

Mr. Mosley, the only information I have is the location of the accident.

Is she okay?

I'm sorry to inform you, Mr. Mosley, she was taken by ambulance to the hospital at Bankston, but she was dead on arrival. Is there someone that I can call for you?

I was understandably stunned. I didn't respond to his question.

Mr. Mosley, the voice in the phone said urgently again. Is there someone I can call for you?

I don't know.

Mr. Mosley, are you okay?

I can't believe you just asked that. You just told me that my wife is dead. Of course I'm not okay. This is the worst day of my life.

I apologize, Mr. Mosley. I know this is terrible news. Many people benefit from the support of a close friend or relative at a time like this. Can I call someone for you?

I just don't know. What do I do now?

I must insist that you give me the name of someone to call.

I barely remembered giving the caller the name and phone number of my best friend, Marvin. After hanging up the phone, I slumped back in my chair. I stared at the room in front of me, but I really didn't see anything. I didn't know what to do. Sometime later, I heard a knock. Frank? Frank?

I'm in the family room. I yelled and kept my seat.

They stepped into the house from the garage. Marvin wasn't alone. Carol was with him. Before she came in the house, she pressed the button to close the garage door. Marvin and Carol had been frequent guests in our home over the years, so they had no trouble finding their way through the deepening shadows of the late evening, to find me. Carol switched on a lamp in the corner. I started to stand up but had to sit back down. After a few seconds, I stood up again and started to walk toward Marvin. All of the sudden, I couldn't breathe. Then everything started to fade to black. In my next conscious thought, I became aware of two frantic voices around me.

Quick, Carol, get a cold wash cloth.

Carol ran to the kitchen.

Frank, are you okay?

Is he okay?

How am I supposed to know? Where is that wash cloth?

I'm getting it.

I opened my eyes as Marvin shook my shoulder. Frank, are you okay?, he yelled.

I shook my head to try to clear the cobwebs. Marvin, my ears are fine. I passed out. Help me up.

Marvin extended his hand and pulled me to my feet. Then he helped me back into the chair.

I shook my head and looked around. What happened?

When we came in, you got up and started walking toward us. Then you collapsed in the floor.

I remember you walking into the living room. I got up from my chair and then everything in my field of vision just closed in and faded to black. How long was I out?

Not very long. I'm so sorry about Ellen. What do you know about the accident?

Not very much. A captain from the State Police called and said Ellen was in an accident. Then he told me she was dead. I don't remember much after that. I did give him your name and number.

I stood again and began to pace. I walked to the window and stared out into the back yard. In my entire forty-nine years, I had never felt as alone as I felt at that moment. I'm not a crier by nature, but suddenly tears streamed down my cheeks. I found myself hugging my best friend, for the first time in our friendship.

I'm here for you Frank. Carol and I are both here for you. We will do anything you need us to do.

I appreciate you guys, but at this point, I have no idea what I am going to need. I've never had to face anything like this.

Frank, we've known each other a lot of years and neither of us has ever had to face anything like this, but I know if the situation was reversed, you would be there for me. We are here for whatever you need.

Thanks Marvin. Honestly, right now I'm at a loss. Ellen and I have been, I mean we were together since high school. I don't know if I'll ever be able to function again.

All at once, the gravity of the situation welled up within me again and overflowed. I sat back in the chair and closed my eyes to try to compose myself. At this point, it was obvious that neither Marvin nor I knew what to say at a time like this, so we sat for a long time in silence.

I don't know how much time passed, but Carol came into the room carrying glasses of iced tea. Frank, have you eaten anything tonight?

No, I was waiting for Ellen to get ...

You need to eat something. You are going to need all your strength.

I know.

It's not just for you. You have to be strong for the girls.

Oh, no! I'm such a terrible father. I haven't even thought about them. I've got to get in touch with them.

Frank, don't beat yourself up. This has been quite a shock for you. Two hours ago, you were waiting for Ellen to have a late dinner and talk about your day.

And now, I'm ignoring my daughters. Carol, how do you call your daughter and tell her that her mother is dead? There are so many things I don't know. They will have so many questions and I don't have many answers.

Frank, I've known your girls all their lives. They spent a lot of time at our house with our twins as they were all growing up. I can call them for you.

I don't know, Carol. What will they think?

They are going to be devastated at first, but they will be okay. Emily and Elizabeth are strong young women. It is going to be tough on them. It will be tough on all of us, but we have to get through it. The thing is that they need to be told tonight before it gets much later. It is already after eight o'clock.

I know, but there is just so much that I don't know.

Frank, someone has to make the call. Liz is so close, she will probably come over tonight. Since Emily lives out of town, she may not make it home until tomorrow. They will both want to take off from work for a few days. Let me do this for you. I'll tell them what we know so far, as little as it is.

Okay, Carol, you will never know how much I appreciate you doing this for me.

It's the least I can do for Ellen. She was my dearest friend.

Do you have their numbers?

Yes, they're in my phone. You forget. Not only were we friends, but our daughters were inseparable.

Carol exited the family room. The patio door opened and closed as she stepped outside.

Frank, I hesitate to start this conversation, but there are some arrangements that are going to have to be made.

I know, it's okay, but I don't even know where her body is.

That reminds me. When I got the call, I was given a number to call for more information. The person I talked to said they gave you the number, but that you might not have caught it.

Marvin, you are such a good friend. My world has just collapsed. I don't know. What do you know about the situation.

According to the police, the accident was five miles east of Hickory Corner.

What happened?

That's really all I know. If you want, I can call that number for you and see what I can find out.

Man, I would really appreciate it.

Have you talked to anyone?

No.

You probably need to contact the funeral home to get things moving. You are going to need to talk to the pastor. You also need to call Ellen's parents, your sister and Ellen's brothers.

I know. I'll need to contact Ellen's boss and my boss too.

I know Ellen's boss, let me call her. I can also call Pastor Nathan for you.

Okay, I'll call the rest.

Carol returned with tears streaming down her cheeks. Marvin met her in the center of the room and they hugged. Marvin then went outside to make his calls.

I was able to reach both girls. Elizabeth will be here in a few minutes. Emily is in Huntington on business. At first she said she would come home tonight, but I was able to convince her to wait until morning. She said she will be here by noon tomorrow.

Thank you so much, Carol.

I rose to meet her and we exchanged an embrace. I am so sorry. she whispered. She took my hand and led me to the living room. A minute later, tears were streaming down my cheeks again. Carol looked at me with a puzzled look. I pointed to a family photograph hanging on the opposite wall between pictures of my two daughters.

I don't remember that one. Is it new?

Instantly, my mind flashed back to last Saturday afternoon after lunch when Ellen and I spent the better part of an hour hanging the new family portrait between new photographs of our daughters. Of course, I thought we could just put the new pictures in front of the old ones in the old frames and be good to go in fifteen minutes. Ellen had other ideas. As we finished lunch, she told me to get my hammer, level and tape measure and meet her in the living room. I knew she had picked up the prints on Tuesday. She disappeared into one of the bedrooms and came back with three new frames. It wouldn't work to put the new pictures back at the same places as the previous pictures. Some day that would be a happy thought. Not today. I couldn't make my voice work to answer Carol's question, so I just sadly nodded my head. In that instant, I realized I was looking at the last family portrait we would ever have of the four of us. Suddenly, the tears flowed again. How was I going to get through this? What was I going to do? I felt myself sinking more and more into despair. Today was clearly the most awful day of my life, and it was most assuredly going to be getting worse in the next few minutes when my daughter arrived.

I wiped my eyes and stood. As much as I don't want to, I need to make some calls. I'm going to my office.

Thirty minutes later, I rejoined them in the living room. Marvin was sitting in the chair, so I sat down on the couch beside Carol. She reached over and put her hand on top of my hand. Last week, it might have seemed strange, but at that moment it was comforting.

Guys, I am getting numb. I wasn't able to reach everyone on my list. I'll have to keep trying to reach my sister Betty. I'm not going to leave news like that on a voice mail message. I was able to reach Ellen's dad. He was so great. When I talked to him, he offered to call Ellen's brothers. I told them I would let them know when the funeral date and time was set.

As I remembered and recounted the conversations, I began to talk faster and faster.

They all wanted to know how I'm doing and how the girls are doing. How am I supposed to respond to that? It's all such a shock. I don't honestly even know how I'm doing, and I haven't talked to the girls to know how they're doing. The other thing is they all want to know what happened and I don't really know.

I was about to say something else, when Marvin stood up.

Frank! He almost barked, sternly.

What?

Slow down. Breathe.

I took some deep breaths.

Marvin sat down beside me and put his arm around me.

Look Frank, I love you like a brother. We have known each other since grade school, right?

Sure.

This fast talking, wild eyed man is not you. You have to pull yourself together. I am certain this is the worst news you have ever faced. It is worse than when your parents died. It is awful, but you are strong. Carol and I are here to help you with anything you want us to do for as long as you need us. For the next few days, think of us as your entourage.

I smiled and looked back and forth at both of them. It was just like Marvin to find a way to make me smile in the midst of all my sorrow.

Now that's better. It is in no way any dishonor to Ellen's memory for you to laugh and find moments of happiness in the next few days. Remember the great times you guys had together.

We had great times with you guys too. I smiled a sad smile.

That's right. We did.

I turned to Carol, You introduced me to Ellen when she was the new girl at school. You may have even twisted my arm to ask her out. I'll never forget that.

We had some great times together. She agreed.

We sat on the couch for the next few minutes, reminding each other of the happy times in our lives that we had shared together. Before long, I realized I was in a slightly better frame of mind. I turned to Marvin. So, what did you find out?

Actually, not a lot. The final report is not complete. This is going to be hard.

What do you mean?

Well, there just isn't much information yet. They told me where the accident took place. They told me where your Navigator is and where they took Ellen.

Just then, a car turned into the driveway. I sat up to look out the window. As I suspected, it was my dear sweet Elizabeth. I slumped back into the couch.

I don't know if I can do this.

My best friend stood up, turned and put his hands on my shoulders. Frank, look at me.

I did.

This may be THE toughest thing you will ever have to do. In a few seconds Liz is going to walk through that door and she is going to be looking for you to take care of her. She already knows the worst news she has ever faced. You don't have to tell her. You need to take care of her. It is going to be hard, but you have to do it. You can do it.

But, Marvin.

There are no buts. This is a terrible tragedy for a family to experience. At this point, there is nothing in your power to change it. You only have the power to choose how you respond and how you react to it. You have to help the girls get through this. You also have to let them help you get through this. Carol and I will be here for all of you, but right now, you HAVE to be there for them. Ellen would not want this to destroy all your lives.

Marvin stood up and extended his hand. You can do this. You are a great dad. I've seen you in action. Life is here and it is right now.

I took his offered hand and stood up. I'm fairly certain Marvin breathed a sigh of relief when I stood.

I looked up toward the ceiling, Ellen you've got to help me. Thanks Marvin, you're the best.

I walked toward the front door. Carol followed. Marvin watched me and then walked over and stood beside Carol with his arm around her shoulder. They were close by, but in the shadows. I had no idea what to expect from Elizabeth.

Through the window beside the door, I watched as she walked up the steps to the porch. I stood behind the closed door without moving. I did not want to do this. I wasn't sure I could. I waited, and waited. When she didn't come in, I slowly opened the door. When I did, my heart broke again. My beautiful baby daughter was standing on my front porch with tears streaming down her cheeks, frantically digging through her purse.

I can't find my key! she sobbed.

It's okay, I said as I held out my arms to her like I did when she was a little girl. She rushed into my arms and we hugged more intensely than we had in years. We stood there holding each other up for what seemed like several minutes. Marvin and Carol moved in closer and hugged the two of us.

Hi, she said to my best friends whom she had always referred to as Aunt Carol and Uncle Marvin. Carol and Marvin's twins had likewise called me Uncle Frank.

Why, Daddy? she asked me between sobs.

I don't know Sweetheart.

When did it happen?

The police said it was a little past four o'clock.

Where did it happen?

About five miles east of Hickory Corner.

Where?

It's about sixty miles from here.

What was she doing?

I don't know.

What happened?

Uncle Marvin has talked to the authorities and he was telling Aunt Carol and me what he has been able to find out when you got here. Let's go to the kitchen table and sit down.

Marvin, Liz and I sat down around the kitchen table like we had so many times before.

Carol walked straight to the refrigerator. Liz, your dad said he hasn't eaten tonight. Have you?

Liz looked at Carol and smiled a sad smile, then she stood, walked to the counter and hugged Carol. Through her own tears, Carol said, Sweetheart, I know you're hurting, and you will hurt for a while, but it will eventually get better.

I know, but it hurts so bad.

Have you had anything to eat?

In almost a little girl's voice, Liz said, No, not really. I was about to fix something when you called.

I'm sure I can find something around here for you both to eat.

Much to my surprise, once Liz arrived, I began to function again. Carol, there is sandwich stuff in the fridge and bread in the cabinet beside it.

Marvin, if you don't mind, repeat what you told me a while ago so Liz and I will have the same information.

Okay. Like I was telling your dad earlier, Liz, there isn't much information available yet. The accident was five miles east of Hickory Corner. Your mom's Navigator left the road and hit a concrete culvert. The SUV is at a salvage company lot in Hickory Corner. You mom's body is at the Hospital in Bankston. That was the closest hospital. The accident report should be available by noon tomorrow and that's all I know.

When Marvin finished, there wasn't much else to say. The three of us just sort of sat around the table in a daze. Carol brought two plates to the table and sat down between Liz and Marvin. Liz and I took the offered sandwiches and picked at them while the four of us tried to carry on a conversation.

About ten o'clock, I slipped away from the group for a few minutes. I felt it was necessary to talk to Emily tonight. She answered her cell phone on the third ring.

Hello Dad. It had always