The sunsets are the most beautiful on Cousins Beach at the end of summer. The colors are the most vibrant, the most distinct. Belly sits on the beach, watching the waves. It is here that she feels the most at peace. "Belly," a voice calls from over the sand dunes. She looks over her shoulder, her heart beginning to pound, to see…
Buzz. Buzz. Buzz. Belly's eyes open groggily, rolling over to glance at her clock. 2:12 p.m. Reaching for her phone, her heart immediately begins to race when she read the name across the screen: Connie ? ﾸﾏ?.
"Conrad," Belly mumbles as she answers her phone. "It's late."
"Belly", Conrad's voice cracks, sniffling as he takes a shaky breath. "Belly, I really fucked up." After a moment of silence, Conrad erupts into sobs, uncontrolled, gut-wrenching, breathless sobbing.
"Connie," Belly whispers, her eyes filling with tears and her throat closing around her words. "Conrad, you have to tell me what's going on."
"It's Jer." Conrad takes a few shaky breaths before continuing in a shaky voice. "We got into an accident. He's hurt. I think it's really bad."
Belly's heart drops, a tear escaping down her cheek. She would have forgotten how to breathe if not for Conrad's anxious breathing. "Send me your location; I'll be there as soon as I can." Belly rushes into action, reaching for the light, only to almost knock her lamp off her bedside table. She takes a deep breath to ground herself. "And Con, Jeremiah's going to be fine." He has to be.