Chapter 42 Riggs
FORTY-TWO
RIGGS
The following morning, I hear my phone ringing and look to see that it’s my mom calling me, not my alarm going off. I instantly feel a pit in my stomach as I go to answer. She never calls me like this, unless it’s an emergency.
“Hello.” My voice is barely above a whisper. Dread consumes me from head to toe. Instead of a response, all I hear is sniffling in the background.
“Mom.” Nothing. I try again. “Mom, what’s wrong?” I sound a little louder this time, but I'm full of fear. It takes a moment before she responds.
“He’s gone, Riggs. He’s gone.” Sobs consume the line as I hear her sharp cries for the love of her life.
My whole body trembles like I have never experienced in my life.
Bile rises and tears well in my eyes. This can’t be happening.
He had a good night; no, he had a great night last night.
My mind spins, and then I realize I haven’t said anything back to my mom.
She has been sitting on the line, crying, for the last few minutes.
“I’ll be there soon.” I don’t even listen to what she says back to me as I throw my phone across the room.
Then I collapse to the floor.