Wendy
I was coming home from the party…
Wendy
And I got a flat tire.
Mom
Oh no! Did it just go out on you?
Wendy
Yeah, I was driving and heard a loud bang.
Wendy
The car swerved a little, so I stopped and got out—
Wendy
And I saw the flat.
Wendy
Bryant Street — near the high school.
Wendy
There’s no one out here. It’s kind of creepy.
Mom
It’s midnight — that doesn’t surprise me.
Mom
I’ll have Dad come and get you.
Mom
We can take care of the tire tomorrow.
Mom
He’s still at the office. It shouldn’t take him long.
Wendy
He’s still at the office? At midnight?
Mom
He had to lay off some people.
Mom
He said it was the hardest thing he’s ever had to do.
Mom
But he said he could leave to get you.
Wendy
Tell him to hurry please.
Mom
Dad just left the office. He’s on his way.
Wendy
Oh good. Will you keep texting me until he gets here?
Mom
Of course. How was the party?
Wendy
Mom…I didn’t drink, if that’s what you’re getting at.
Mom
You can tell me if you did.
Wendy
I wouldn’t be stupid enough to drink and drive.
Mom
I just worry about you.
Wendy
I’m fine. When do you think Dad will get here?
Wendy
It’s freezing out here.
Wendy
No I’m standing outside.
Mom
Dad should be there in about ten minutes.
Wendy
It’s so quiet out here…
Wendy
I have this weird feeling.
Wendy
Like I’m not alone.
Wendy
It feels like someone else is out here with me.
Wendy
Mom, the hair on the back of my neck is standing up.
Wendy
And I have goosebumps.
Mom
Honey…if you don’t feel safe, get back into your car.
Wendy
But if something happens and I’m in my car, I can’t run away!
Mom
Dad is on his way. He’ll be there any minute.
Wendy
I swear I can hear someone breathing.
Mom
Do you have that pepper spray?
Wendy
In the glove compartment.
Mom
Do you still hear something?
Mom
Good. So you’re fine.
Mom
Hmmm…how far from the school are you?
Wendy
Not that far…it shouldn’t be taking him this long.
Wendy
Wait, I see headlights.
Wendy
It looks like his car.
Wendy
There’s someone else driving the car…
Wendy
OMG he’s got blood on his coat!
Wendy
MOM HELP!! HE’S GETTING OUT OF THE CAR.
Mom
What?!? What’s going on?!
Wendy
I was able to get away—
Wendy
The man lunged at me and tried to take my purse.
Wendy
I used the pepper spray, doused his face.
Wendy
They said they should be here in a few minutes.
Wendy
I think I ran a few blocks — I’m near the park now.
Mom
He was definitely in your dad’s car?
Wendy
Yeah, I saw the license plate.
Mom
Then where is your dad?!
Wendy
I’m really freaked out.
Mom
I’m worried too. What happened to the guy?
Wendy
He was lying on the ground, but I didn’t stick around to see what he did next.
Mom
I’m coming out there. Okay?
Mom
Wendy? Please answer me!
Wendy
I’m with the police.
Wendy
They just arrested the guy who stole Dad’s car.
Wendy
But they can’t find Dad anywhere.
Wendy
I’m so scared! Are you on your way yet?
Mom
Did the police tell you the name of the man they arrested?
Wendy
Yes. His name is Robert Stanton.
Wendy
Wait — you know who that is?
Mom
Yes. He was one of the people your father had to fire today.
Mom
He was threatening your father—
Mom
They had to call security to escort him out of the building.
Wendy
Then that would explain…
Wendy
Oh my god. What a sick man.
Mom
I’m so glad you’re safe. But honey…
Wendy
A call just came over the police radio about a man on the side of the road.
Wendy
They said he wasn’t moving.
Wendy
I can’t breathe — what if it’s Dad?
Wendy
We’re heading there now.
Wendy
It’s right in front of the high school.
Mom
Okay, I’ll meet you there.
Wendy and the policemen arrive at the high school first.
An ambulance is already at the scene.
EMTs are carrying a stretcher inside.
Wendy
That’s my dad! Is he…alright?
EMT
Yes. He’s unconscious but stable.
EMT
He has a broken leg and some bruises, but he’ll be alright.
EMT
Yes. You should absolutely speak to him.
Wendy presses a hand to her father’s cheek.
She sees the bruises forming around both of his eyes…
And then they open. He looks up at his daughter.
Dad
I’ll be fine. Are you fine?
Dad
Oh Wendy, I can’t believe I put you in harm’s way.
Dad
Robert said he was going to hurt me…
Dad
By hurting you. Just like I hurt both him and his family when I fired him.
Wendy
Oh that’s horrible!
Dad
I saw the warning signs.
Dad
I saw them months ago.
Dad
Other employees were concerned.
Dad
I should have fired him a long time ago.
Wendy
Dad, this was not your fault!
Dad
I know, honey, but I shouldn’t have pretended he wasn’t a problem.
Dad
I should have handled this earlier.
Dad
And prepared for something like this.
Dad
Wendy, I want you to promise me something.
Dad
If anyone at school ever shows signs of becoming violent…
Dad
And let someone at the school know.
Wendy
I will, Dad. I promise.
Wendy’s dad lets out a shuddering sob.
Wendy feels her heart lurch—
She’s never seen her dad cry before.
Wendy
Dad, it’s okay. I’m okay.
Dad
I know. I’m just so happy my baby girl is safe.
