Ken started to fuss as I packed up from rehearsal to head home. The session ran more than an hour over and his little head was already bobbing up and down. I didn’t like carrying him long distances but I scooped him up and walked as quickly as I could from the building to our car.
Ken mumbled a little and continued to fuss as I packed him into his booster seat. I kissed his forehead and closed the car door. Something near my front tire caught my eye. I went over and knelt down to see what was there.
A crumpled piece of paper. I picked it up and was getting ready to unfold it when something slammed into me from behind.
Grunting, I pitched forward, slamming into my car. The wind left my lungs and every time I tried to breathe, my chest heaved and spasmed.
“Wh-wh…” I couldn’t talk. My voice was hoarse and no air would come out.
“You really think you’re better than me?” Nina’s nasally voice asked. She shoved me again.