“Hello” Tina unlatches her phone to answer the call.

“Ms. Campbell?”

“Yes, this is Tina Campbell.”

“This is Mrs. McNally, Jennifer teacher.”

“Yes Mrs. McNally, is there something wrong….is Jennifer alright?” Tina can feel the knot in her stomach returned.  Was it a sign?  She mumbles in fright.

“She fell of the jungle gym during recess and may have sprained her ankle.  As a precaution, we have her taken to LA Medical for a thorough evaluation. We are required to inform you of the situation and assured you that she is currently in good condition.”

By the time she arrived at the hospital emergency room, Jennifer has already been examine and treated for her sprained ankle.   Tina enters the waiting room to see her daughter hopping around on her good foot.   The child is without a care in the world treating the crutches as if it was her new, favorite toy.  Her sly and embarrassed grin makes it impossible for Tina to scold her.  All her worries lifted when mother and daughter embrace in a bear hug. 

They checked out of the hospital half an hour later.  Tina is walking along the corridor with her exuberant, stubborn daughter insistent on hopping out with her crutches when she sees a familiar face.  Jennifer also recognizes this person and start to wave wildly in the air for her attention.

“Coach….Coach….over here, it’s me Jennifer.” Dana wave back and walk briskly toward the pair. 

“Good afternoon Ms. Campbell, hi Jennifer…what do we have here?” Tina returns the greeting with a nod and smile.

“I sprained my ankle…look, look Coach…I can hop around in 1 foot, isn’t that cool?” Jennifer proudly stated and starts twirling around to demonstrated her newfound ability.

“Jennifer, be careful honey.” Tina gently cautions her rambunctious daughter.

“Yes sweetie” Dana second the warning and added her intervention “You need to take good care of that foot so you can come back to practice soon.  You don’t want Sylvia to be my number 1 helper do you?”

“No” Jennifer stomp her disapproval and pout.

“Take care of that foot and I’ll see if I can keep that spot open just for you, okay?” Jennifer breaks into the most gracious smile as her head bobble up and down in agreement.  Tina mouthed a ‘thank you’ to the young coach for her subliminal motivation.

“It’s good to see you again Ms. Campbell but I need to get going.” Dana said.

“Oh I’m sorry to keep you…uh…is everything alright with you Coach?” Tina asked in concern, wondering as to why the young coach is at the hospital.

“Please call me Dana, and yes I’m fine.  I actually come by to visit a friend in critical condition.” Tina noted the sadness on Dana’s face and in her voice.  It must have been someone very dear to the young coach.  Tina shares her heartfelt concern.

“I’m sorry to hear that.  Please call me Tina.  Is it someone I know?” Dana smile back in acceptance of Tina kind words.

“I’m not sure if you know her.  Her name is Bette Porter, my best friend.  She’s in critical condition right now and could use all the prayers she can get.” 

The blood drained from Tina’s face hearing Dana’s words.  Her vision suddenly dimmed and a searing pain rips through her heart.  She grips tightly onto Jennifer’s hand trying to steady herself making the girl winced.

“Mommy” Tina releases the grip, horrified by her action “I’m sorry sweetie.” She apologizes and pulls the child in a comforting hug.  She can slowly feel the blood circulation return in her body by the warmth of their contact.  This is neither the place nor time for her to break down.  She needs to stay calm and hold it together, if only for her daughter’s sake.  As for Bette, Tina cannot imagine or bring herself to consider the possibility, even if….