“I’m sorry,” he said, having to restrain himself from chewing her out. He rationally knew that it wasn’t her fault, but he still resented her for being in the driver’s seat that day. He also pitied her as much as she probably pitied him.

“No, I should be the one to apologize. I’m so sorry. I had a speech and stuff and things planned out to say to you, and I had . . . umm . . . Well, I forgot what I was going to say to you and my dad, and I’ve just been so busy lately and never, like . . . Ugh! I’m sorry. I just didn’t expect to actually get ahold of you, and now . . .” Liu struggled with finding the words, stressing and unstressing random syllables, and she stumbled through her sentences awkwardly, clearly unsure of what she was trying to say.

“It’s okay,” Lucas said. “Take it easy. Take a deep breath. It’s just a phone call.” He felt like he was having to coach her through a panic attack. His wife used to have her share of those back when they were studying together, so he just started trying to talk her down instinctively, his need to be in control and manage the situation overriding his lingering resentment.

“You’re right. You’re right,” she said, but it didn’t sound like she was so sure. “Anyway, thank you so much for returning my calls. I didn’t think I’d hear from you again.”

“Yeah . . . I’m sorry,” Lucas said again. “I shouldn’t have taken it out on you.”

“No, no, it’s okay. I know. I understand why you’re mad at me. It was my fault. I should have done a better job. I should have had my tires checked. I should have gotten my brakes checked. I should have given the green light three seconds and not rushed. I should have . . .” She paused, and Lucas thought he could hear a sniffle, but it didn’t sound like she was crying when she continued. “I’m just so sorry, Lucas. It’s all my fault, and . . . Never mind . . . Anyway, I’ll be there in a few minutes. I’m gonna start driving as soon as I put down the phone.”

“Huh?”

“I had to take lunch to get out of work and answer the call, and I work near you, so I’ll be over in a minute with food. Your mom has been nagging me to drop some off for you for a while. She’s always grumbling about how she thinks you’re only eating through that game of yours, but since you wouldn’t answer the phone, I didn’t think you’d even answer the door if I just randomly showed up. Anyway, I’ll be there in a few minutes, so we can talk more then.”

“Wait, why will you be here in a few minutes? I’m . . .”

“Okay. See you in a second,” she said, quickly ending the call before he could say “no.”