Chapter 97

“Your son is awake and asking to see his parents,” smiled the nurse. “He isn’t out of the woods entirely, but the doctors think it’s okay for you to visit him briefly.”

Gwen was elated to hear that Jared was awake and asking for his parents! She hugged the Whites again and wished them the best. She looked around the room and realized that she and Charlotte were the only people left. She shook Charlotte awake and they headed home.

***

Ted was sitting at the kitchen table having a cup of coffee when Gwen came through the door. “Sweetheart! I’m so sorry you had to experience such tragedy yesterday. But, I’m extremely proud of the way you handled the situation. I would’ve come to the hospital with Paula and Lisa, but Kate was here with some of her friends. They were all pretty shook up and your mom and I felt it was important that one of us be here for them. She was very worried about you and Steve and feels terrible about the others. How’s Steve doing?”

“He’s he