Ever Hayes - Emergency Exit

There are some things Ill never forget

My sons first word. Mama.

Any of Michael Jordans signature moments. Watched every game.

The face of the girl I almost had an affair with. Never did get her name.

My last day as an American. Kind of.

And the text message that killed my wife. I think Im lo

Thats all it said.

It was clich. The guy was drunk. The guy was lost. He was texting and driving in the pouring rain, one block from our southern Minnesota home. I think Im lost.

The difference between life and death was four stupid words.

He was in the wrong lane. Supposedly he never even saw her. It doesnt really matter. Sophie didnt have a chance.

She had a seatbelt on. He didnt. She died. He barely got a scratch on him.

He basically got away with murder. Whats five years?

My wife got Amazing Grace.

There are a few things I wish I could change

My daughters first word. iPad.

My college major. Journalism.

Being the man I thought I was. When clearly I wasnt.

My last day as an American. Gonna have to explain that, I know.

And my wifes last words. Tell him I love him.

She wasnt talking about me. She was talking about our son, Danny. She should have been able to tell him herself. I messed that up.

Sophie lost her life four years ago. If she hadnt, wed both be dead now.

Dannys pocket started buzzing again. What could possibly be so important? He shifted so he could pull his phone out and looked at the caller ID. Loser, it read. Again? Danny tossed it on the end table. It continued to vibrate, but he ignored it.

Who is it? Kate asked from the basement mini-bar, where she was grabbing them each a soda.

Dad, Danny answered. Again! he added in disgust. Leave a message already!

Lightning flashed in the window. Steady rain poured down outside.

Thats odd, his girlfriend replied, handing him a Dew. Danny thought so too. Since his dad had come back home five months ago, he hadnt called Danny once. So hes the one who keeps calling? Kate asked, sitting down on the couch next to him.

Danny nodded, glancing at his watch and running his other hand through his shoulder-length blond hair.

He picked the football up from his lap and tossed it in the air a few times. A roll of thunder shook the walls. Man! Glad were not out there. Last weeks loss in the state playoffs had a perk after all.

Kate pressed Danny a little more. Any idea why hes calling?

Danny looked at her and shook his head. Where was she going with this?

When did you talk to him last? she asked. He was watching football highlights. Never the best time for a conversation.

I talk to him every day, he answered curtly.

Sorry. Danny, please. Hey. She placed a soft, cold hand on his forearm. Dont get defensive with me, okay? You know what I mean. His posture relaxed a little and he nodded. Im not talking about you saying a hurried bye as you run out the door. When did you last have an actual conversation with him?

He shrugged, expressionless. A few months ago, I guess. Seriously, why was this so important to her?

Im just trying to figure out whats going on, she said, leaning back with a deep sigh.

More lightning lit up the room, and the rain was coming down harder.

Danny cringed, reacting to a bone-jarring tackle on the screen. Ouch! He looked at Kate. She was still looking at him, as if waiting for a further explanation. What the heck am I supposed to say? Theres nothing to figure out Kate. I dont want to talk to him. Thats all. Rain was pelting the side of the house now. A commercial came on, and he redirected his attention towards the water-streaked window. This will be fun biking home in!

She couldnt let it go, even though it was clear he was getting upset. Arent you at least curious why hes calling? He never calls you.

He noted the heavy accent on the never, but didnt say anything. She was right. Dad NEVER calls me.

Danny, come on. Maybe hes trying

Maybe he is, Kate. I dont care! Placing his can on the table just a little too hard, he saw her wince. Trying isnt good enough! he snapped, instantly regretting his terse reply. He knew she was just trying to help. Sorry Kate, Im sorry. He covered her hand with his own and tried to smile. Seriously, do we have to talk about this now? I dont want to talk about Dad. More thunder. Okay?

But she wasnt nearly done. Can you at least tell me what you want from him? she asked point blank. Honestly. Your mom told you how great hes been to her. Right? Its been a long time since he left, Dan. Hes been back a long time. Hes

Not nearly long enough, Danny muttered, cutting her off. I dont want to fight about this. He stood up and walked to the window to watch the rain. Who cares that he came back? The point was hed left. He gave up on us.

Kate held her hands up in apparent submission. Fine. I just think youre being a little unfair.

That was too much. Unfair? he asked, spinning in disbelief to face her. Seriously? Kate, you have no

Danny, Im not judging you, she replied, hands up again, apologetically trying to settle him back down. She stood and moved over to him, stopping him before he could say anything else. I get that he hurt you. I get that he messed up in a big way. She placed her palms on his chest and paused as another bolt cut across the sky. His hearts tempo accelerated beneath her hand. But do you know what I would give to have one more minute, much less one more day or one more chance at a life with my dad? She looked up at him for understanding and saw what she was saying register in his eyes. He understood.

She diffused his anger with that response. Anything he said now about his own problems would be incredibly insensitive to her. Maybe she was right.

He was about to say as much when Kates phone started buzzing on the table. She looked at the flashing screen. Great. Danny, hes calling me now.

Okay, this definitely wasnt normal.

Do I answer? she asked, picking up the phone.

He thought about saying, Go ahead, but his stubbornness won over. No. He took the phone from her and shut it off. Doesnt he get the picture? He picked his phone up from the table and switched it off too. Hes probably just worried about the weather. Danny sat back down on the couch. I can take care of myself.

Kate returned to the window, tying back her long brown hair. He could see her watching him through the reflection in the window. She wasnt much for arguing unless she was convinced she was right. Shed made her point. Ill talk to him when I get home, okay? he asked, trying to put the topic to rest. She nodded and came back over to the couch. Im sorry, he added.

Its okay. She sat down next to him. I get it.

Somehow she always did.

Kates mom opened the basement door about an hour later and called down, Im going to bed now guys. Kate, you need to come upstairs. Danny, would you like me to drive you home?

No thanks Jackie, he replied, looking at his watch. 10:18. Im good with the bike.

Okay, she answered. Just sit out the storm awhile, all right?

I will, he paused. Thanks Jackie.

Danny and his best friend Cameron came over to Kates house almost every weekend to watch sports and play pool. Camerons girlfriend Jenna was Kates best friend, and the four of them formed a tight little circle. They had no interest in the typical high school social scene. Hanging out by the fireplace and the TV, laughing and talking, that was their kind of party.