Cathy was getting weaker.
The nurse told him she had been awake that morning, asking whether her husband was coming. But nobody could promise how much longer she’d remain conscious.
Walter thanked the nurse and hung up.
Then he covered his face.
“I’ve worked every day I could,” he said. “All these months, I thought if I could just keep paying those bills, I’d be helping her.”
He stared at his phone.
“And now all she wants is me.”
The tow truck eventually brought us to a small service facility.
A mechanic examined my engine and confirmed what I’d feared.
Repairs required parts they couldn’t obtain until after the storm.
I called Grant again.
He told me another driver would collect the freight once conditions permitted.
I was to remain with the disabled truck until the company arranged what happened next.
I refused.
I’d already made Walter a promise.
Grant fired me before I could finish explaining.