I’d figure that out later. For now, I had two brothers to get to school.
That was only the beginning.
With the bumper hanging loose, I wasn’t risking a drive before Michael checked the damage.
I saved our porch camera footage, got the driver’s contact details, and walked the boys to the bus stop.
“Is Grandpa dead?” Ben asked.
“Not if I can help it.”
***
At work, my supervisor intercepted me. “Emma, you’re forty minutes late.”
I’d figure that out later.
“Our neighbor damaged my car.”
“I’m sorry, but another late arrival could cost you this position.”
“I understand. It won’t happen again.”
***
After work, I drove to Dad’s old garage.
“Michael, remember Dad’s Toyota?”
You’re forty minutes late.
“How could I forget? We worked on that thing together for years.”
“Well, it needs help again.”
“What hit you, a miniature tank?” Michael asked.
“Pretty much.”
He examined the damage. “Cracked bumper, broken brackets, and bent metal underneath. The trunk’s out of alignment, too.”
