Carter was higher up in the profession. And he had asked me if it was okay to add me to the phone tree.
I had readily agreed.
And I was thankful I had. In a situation like this, everyone needed support.
I lifted my phone and then felt my tears that I had thought had all dried up start spilling down my cheeks.
I hurriedly wiped them away, and then bleary-eyed. I read what was on my phone.
Sin – I’m okay.
I read it.
Over.
And over.
And over.
Then I looked at everyone and said, “He’s okay.”
Sighs of thankfulness lit up the room.
A few tears were wiped away.
Smiles replaced looks of sorrow.
Sin – Where are you?
Me – Your parents’ house.
Sin – Call you in a minute. Put me on speaker. Okay?
Me – Okay. I love you.
Sin – Fuck. Love you more.
Then I looked at everyone and said, “He’s calling in a minute.
Within that minute, everyone who was asleep was woken up.
Then my phone rang, I swiped to answer it, and then put it on speaker.
Immediately, I said, “Hey, honey.”
Hearing his voice, knowing that he was alive, it took a beat for my heart to catch up with my brain, “Hey, baby. Am I on speaker?’
“Yes,” I said.
“We love you, Carter,” Misty called out.
“Love y’all too.” Then I heard him swallow. “I’m headed to the closest hospital that has a trauma one unit. Dallas. Baby, I need you to get on a plane. Need you here.”
I nodded, “I will.”
He was quiet for a beat when he said, “We lost nineteen people. Including Sam. And..... Joey.”
I inhaled a breath, “Oh no.”
