“Mrs. Herrera, this is Enrique. I’m very sorry to tell you this, but I was in a motorcycle accident this morning. I’m currently in the emergency room at St. David’s Hospital. I have a broken collarbone and they’re keeping me for observation. I won’t be able to come today or tomorrow to care for Mr. Rafael. I’ve tried calling the backup nurse but she’s out of state visiting family. I’m so sorry.”
Lucía read the message three times, feeling ice water spread through her veins.
Rafael was alone upstairs. Alone and completely helpless, unable to call for help, unable to move if he was uncomfortable, unable to do anything at all.She immediately tried calling Daniel, but the call went straight to voicemail—he must have been in one of his conference sessions with his phone turned off. She left an urgent message explaining the situation, then stood in the kitchen for a moment, paralyzed by indecision.
