“Dad, I need you or Mom to come over. The police were just here.” I glance at Sydney, who’s still staring at nothing. “They… Mr. Adams was in an accident. He, uh, he didn’t make it.”

There’s a sharp inhale on the other end of the line, followed by some commotion. I can hear Sally screaming. My mom asking a question and Maggie replying. I can’t imagine getting the call Sydney just got. Can’t imagine losing a member of my family.

“I’ll be right over, sweetheart.”

“Okay,” I whisper, then hang up the phone. I stare at the number pad.

I have Holden’s cell memorized. Should I call him?

“My dad is on his way,” I say.

Sydney nods.

“Can I get you anything? Do anything?”

This time, there’s a head shake.

We sit in silence on the floor until the front door opens. Both of my parents walk inside.

My mom rushes to Sydney’s side, giving her shoulders a squeeze. “Maggie’s watching everyone,” she tells me.

My dad crouches down as well. “I’m so sorry for your loss, Sydney.”

“Thanks,” she whispers.

“I’ve got some contacts at the police station. I’ll give them a call, see what needs to be handled.”

Sydney nods. “Thanks,” she repeats.

“Did your dad have anywhere he’d keep papers or documents?”

“I’m not sure. His room, maybe?”

My dad nods and stands. “I’ll go take a look.”

“Let’s get you off the floor, sweetie,” my mom says, helping Sydney stand and guiding her over to the couch. Lily stands from her spot curled up, walking over and sniffing at my mom’s jeans. One of my siblings probably spilled something on her.

I trail behind them, then force the words out of my mouth. “I’ll go tell Holden.”

Sydney nods. She’s in no shape to. She doesn’t even question how I know where he is. My parents are handling everything that needs to be done here.

It feels like years, not hours, since our time at the gym. When Holden invited me to Finn’s tonight, this is not at all how I imagined showing up.

“Are you sure, sweetie? Dad or I can go.”

“I’m sure.”

I don’t want to do this at all, and especially not alone. But I need to.

“Be careful, Cassia.”

I nod.

My feet drag as I walk outside, fingering the car keys in my pocket and relieved I left them there. I don’t feel like going inside my house and facing my siblings’ questions. I’m closest with Sydney and Holden because of our ages, but my brothers and sisters all grew up across the street from them too. There’s a whole section of our fridge dedicated to postcards Mr. Adams would bring back from his trips around the country.