Fifty-Two Trips Too Late

After Fiona lost the baby, Kevin and I barely spoke.

He still cooked. Still did the dishes. Still told me where he was going.

But that was it.

Three days later, my dad called and said Mom had suddenly collapsed.

By the time I reached the hospital, she'd already been moved to the ICU.

Dad's voice shook. "The doctor said she's in critical condition. She needs a bone marrow transplant right away—"

"I'll do it."

"No. Your body never fully recovered after the car accident. Even if you donate, it'd just be trading one life for another. The only match in the country is Kevin. But I can't reach him. What do we do?"

At the mention of Kevin's name, my head started buzzing.

Why him?

I took a deep breath and called him.

No answer.

I called twenty times.

Still nothing.

After calming Dad down, I grabbed a cab and headed to the hospital where Kevin worked.

The nurse told me he'd taken the day off for a family emergency.

I almost laughed.

Since when had Fiona's place become his family?

I grabbed another cab and headed to Fiona's apartment—the address I'd once seen on Kevin's phone.

By the time I got there, it was dark.

The door was slightly open, warm yellow light spilling into the hallway.

I pushed it open.

Kevin was sitting on the couch.

Fiona leaned against him, her face buried in his neck.

Close. Comfortable.

Kevin looked up and froze, quickly getting to his feet. "Avery? What are you doing here?"

Fiona slowly raised her head, her voice weak. "I'm sorry. I accidentally cut my hand today. Kevin..."

I ignored her and looked straight at him.

"My mom is sick. You're the only one who can save her. Come with me. Now."

He hesitated.

That single second told me everything.

"Fiona just had an accident. She's emotionally unstable. I can't leave. Your mom should be fine. Tomorrow—"

"Tomorrow?" My voice trembled. "My mom can't wait until tomorrow."

"But Fiona can't be left alone either—"