The Last Five Years

Drew

My alarm went off at an early 4:30 in the morning so that I could prep for a mock procedure I had that day. I got up, walked straight to the bathroom, and turned the hot water of the shower on. While the water heated, I made my way to the kitchen to start brewing a pot of coffee.

My mind raced, and I was surprisingly nervous. I never got nervous about these kinds of things, but something about today just felt off. I tried to shake it, getting ready and going through my morning routine as usual. On my drive to the center, I got a phone call. It was from my mother. I raised an eyebrow, sliding to answer. 

"Hello?"

She sighed, and I could hear how tired her voice was. "Andrew, something's happened."

Worry took over. I cut her off. "Is dad okay? Are you and Caroline? What's going on?" My stomach dropped. I felt like I was going to be sick.

"We're fine, sweetie, it's just Peter. He passed away last night on the job." She was quiet for a minute, and I could faintly hear her choking back tears. "I just thought you should know. The arrangements haven't been made yet, but I'll call you when they are."

Even though she couldn't see me, I nodded. "Yeah, okay. Thanks, mom." I hung up, and I pulled into the parking lot. I didn't know what to do. My best friend had just died, and the last thing I'd done was kiss his fiancé. I shook my head. Against my better judgement, I pulled my phone out to text Poppy.

Probably the last person you want to hear from, but you know I'm always here for you. Sorry, Poppyseed. xx, Drew.

I sent the text, then turned my phone off and put it in the console. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and pushed myself out of the car and toward the building. Today was already rough, and I knew that it most likely wouldn't get any better.