The accident

As the car sped along the winding road, Bella's unease deepened. Her mother's worried tone lingered in her mind. She thought she would talk to her and check what was happening there. Fishing her phone out of her bag, she dialed her mother.

The call connected after a few rings.

Bella heaved a sigh when she heard her mother's voice. "Mamma…" She wanted to ask if she was okay, but she changed the question. "I'm on my way. Do you need me to grab anything from the supermarket?"

"There is no need. Just come home."

The abruptness of it all sent Bella's anxiety into overdrive. "Mamma, you're scaring me," she pressed, her tone almost pleading. "What's happening? Please tell me."

"I'll explain everything when you're here," Selena responded.