The Phone Call

Rewind four months.

School – my safe place. Math – a challenge.

I float about the room.

“You got it!”

“Tell me about how. . .”

“Let’s try this one again.”

A persistent buzz on my wrist — one I’d usually ignore. Who keeps calling me?

A glance. A skipped heartbeat. Quick steps to my classroom phone.

“Your dad called,” he said. Heart wrenching news. No tears.

“I have to go.” Click.

An automatic dial. A dash to the hallway. An excruciating wait. A quick plan.

“Is this right Miss Quimby?” he said hopefully.

“Looks like you’re on the right track,” I replied unknowingly. “Keep going.”

Dry eyes. Survival mode. Pack your things. Say goodbye. Get out.

My hands gripped the steering wheel, and I crumbled.

On March 6th, we remember those who lost their lives to overdose— the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. While I wish this statistic didn’t touch my life, it will forever be a part of me. #MichaelMatters #BlackBalloonDay