Chapter 10
Abbey returned to her room groggy. Jed had asked Zoey and Ellie to leave them alone. They knew the impact this would have on their mother, and knew that it was right for their father to give her the news.
"Jed. Jed…"
"Yes, honey. I'm right here." Jed grasped her hand to reassure her.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes, Abbey. I'm fine. The doctors said your leg would be fine. It'll take a while, but you should make a full recovery."
"How's the rest of the family?"
Jed hesitated.
"What is it, Jed?" Abbey immediately sensed the hesitancy.
Jed knew that she had to know, and he should be the one to tell her.
As he spoke, he took her hand. "Abbey, our girls are fine. Cuts and scrapes, but they will be fine. Doug was crushed by debris, and is in surgery right now. The doctors say it will be touch and go. Annie was found under a table and again, except for cuts and bruises and a possible mild concussion, she should be okay. Liz is with her right now."
Even through the fog Abbey knew that one person was unaccounted for.
"Gus?"
"I am so sorry, Abbey. He didn't make it. Apparently he was crushed when the ceiling fell down. The doctors think that was how Doug was injured, trying to reach him." As Abbey started to cry, so did Jed.
"Oh Jed! NO! Not little Gus!" Abbey's crying intensified. All Jed could do was to hold her hand and touch her face. His eyes met hers, and knew the depths of despair that they held. "Not my baby!"
They stayed that way for a long time.