He spotted Andrew and rushed forward.
“Andrew!” he shouted. “Oh my God!”
Andrew shrank into the seat.
That told me everything.
I got out and shut the door hard.
“You lost a child.”
Mr. Reed reached for Andrew.
I stepped between them.
“Don’t touch him,” I snapped.
Mr. Reed blinked. “Excuse me?”
“You lost a child. In a lightning storm.”
“He wandered—”
“Thank you for your… assistance.”
“Stop,” I cut in. “You lost him.”
Parents stared. Kids stared.
Mr. Reed’s face tightened.
“We’ll handle it,” he said.
“No,” I said. “You already didn’t.”
He forced a smile. “Thank you for your… assistance.”
He grabbed my hand.
I stared him down.
Then I said, loud enough for everyone, “Count your kids twice.”
Andrew looked at me like he was drowning.
“You’re leaving?” he whispered.
“I have to,” I said gently.
He grabbed my hand.
He hugged me fast.
“You won’t forget me?” he asked.
My chest hurt.
“I won’t,” I said.
He whispered, “Claire.”
I nodded. “Andrew.”
He hugged me fast. Tight.
Life moved on.
Then he let go and stepped out.
He walked toward the group like it was punishment.
He looked back once.
I waved.
Then I drove away.
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