Chapter Forty-Five

Georgia leaned forward in the seat as if it could make the car go faster. The ugliness of the shattered mall didn't depress her as it usually did. She was too focused on getting to Tom. The glass at the front of the Hospital had been repaired with plywood. She ran into the hospital and saw her mom.

"Why didn't you tell me Tom was in the hospital?" she said.

"I'm not allowed to, Georgia." She hugged her. "As much as I wish I could."

"Where is he? I need to see him."

"He's in ICU, or the closest thing we have to one. He's in bad shape Georgia."

"I still need to see him."

"I know, if you need to talk afterward, come and find me." Her mother gave her a final squeeze and sent her off in the direction of the room.

Tom's dad sat outside the room. He didn't look like he'd slept in days.

"Hello, Mr. McCrey," Georgia stood in front of him.

"Hi," he said, "call me Joe. I'm never sure who this Mr. McCrey is."

"I'm sorry about Tom. Is there anything I can do?"