It was getting dark when her coms buzzed. She had no idea how long she'd been sitting on that floor, lost in a world of blood and worry.

It was Lucas. Smiling sheepishly from the screen.

'Look Mum, I'm so sorry, I've had to cancel tonight. I've already told everyone…everyone but you, sorry, I left a message at yours, but you must've already left!'

Why was he grinning at her, like nothing was wrong, was he really that good a liar?

'Where are you Lucas, what's happened?'

'I'll tell you, but don't panic, I'm OK, I'm just at the hospital!'

He saw the worry on her face, ploughed on before she jumped to the wrong conclusion.

'We went for a few drinks after work, pre-party celebration for work…anyway, Geoff went a little over the top, as usual, and the bloody fool got so mellow, ended up falling over, caught his arm on the railings, cut himself quite badly, ruined my work gear…by the way Mum, I've put it in the wash, but didn't know what setting is best for blood…not the usual thing I have to clean! So can you please put it on for me?

So, got changed real quick, Geoff was still bleeding, so we thought it best to get him to the Emergency Room. So sorry about the short notice, but we're waiting here with him, trying to sober him up and stop him bleeding all over the nurses!

Speak tomorrow, thanks again, sorry again! Love you Mum, gotta run!'

The screen turned blank, as, for the second time that day, but for totally different reasons, Grant sat on the floor and sobbed.

Freewayriding

08.05.23 Front Page

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