Instead, I gripped my phone until my fingers hurt.
Then the cruiser turned into a familiar parking lot.
I looked through the window.
The community center.
For years, I had sat on hard bleachers inside that building watching school performances, youth basketball games, award ceremonies, and community events involving one child or another.
But tonight, the parking lot was unusually full.
And several vehicles looked familiar.
Mark’s SUV.
Sarah’s sedan.
Jason’s truck.
I stared at them.
Then at the officer.
“What is going on?”
Part 4 — The Surprise That Went Wrong
He parked and opened the door for me.
My legs felt unsteady as I stepped out.
I marched toward the entrance before he could guide me.
“If this is somebody’s idea of a joke,” I warned, “it isn’t funny.”
He said nothing.
The moment we entered, the room exploded with light.
“HAPPY—”
Jason’s voice died halfway through the word.
