"And you're still a dish. None of my friends believe me when I tell them you're my mother. They all say, 'But Cassie, she's so pretty. She looks so young, and she's so thin. She doesn't have any wrinkles or any gray hair.'"
"Which is very kind of them to say, but even if I don't look it, I'm starting to feel it." Samantha winced and let out a small groan.
"Are you all right, Mom?"
"I'm fine. It's just a little indigestion, that's all."
"You're sure?" Cassie tried to mask the concern in her voice. "So, what do you have in mind?"
"I want to go back to Arizona, for at least for part of the year. I'll keep the house in Idaho Springs and stay here during the summers, but I'd like to spend the rest of the year in Phoenix and take some classes at the university. I could still become a nurse, you know. I only had a couple semesters left when I ran out of money, and I was ready to go back when I met your father."
"I know, but then you got engaged, and then you got pregnant with me, and then he passed away."
"And then I had you to raise, but you know, Cassie, I've never once regretted a day I've had with you. You're what kept me going all these years, and I love you with all my heart." Samantha winced and groaned again.
"And I love you too. You're the best mom anyone could have asked for, but right now I'm a little worried about you. Are you sure you're feeling okay?"
Samantha tried to reassure her daughter. "I think so. Something I've eaten must really be disagreeing with me, but don't worry. I'll be fine."
"But you hardly touched your dinner. I think you may be coming down with something. When we get back to your place, I think we should pack a bag and you can stay with us for a few days. I don't want to leave you home alone if you're sick."
"Cassie, I'm fine. It's just an upset stomach, although I think you're right. I've probably picked up a bug, but I'll be okay. I don't want to bring it to your house and have the rest of you catch it."
Cassie remained unconvinced. "If you say so, but I've also noticed you've been a little down in the dumps lately."
"I'm just tired and need a change. I've done very well with the diner and I have the investment portfolio to prove it. But running the place day after day, year after year, has taken its toll on me. You've put in enough hours there yourself to understand. I think the stress has finally worn me down because I'm starting to feel burned out. The last time I saw my doctor he told me my blood pressure was getting too high. This is why I'm ready to sell the place and be done with it. And I don't know why, but for some reason your father's been on my mind more than usual lately. I'm even starting to dream about him again. Must be because you're out on your own now."
Cassie turned her attention to the backseat. "Looks like she's out like a light."
"Yes, she is," said Samantha. "So, are you and Jeremy looking forward to spending some time with her?"
"I think so. She's a good kid and she'll only be with us for a couple days. Laura says she's supposed to be back on her feet right after her surgery, so Will plans to pick her up the day after tomorrow."
"Assuming Laura has no unexpected complications."
"It's just gallbladder surgery. It's an outpatient procedure, and it's no big deal."
"I know, but it'll be good for you and Jeremy to spend some time with her. It could be like a dress rehearsal for having one of your own."
"Mom, please." Cassie rolled her eyes. "I keep telling you to be patient. Our first anniversary was only two weeks ago. We still consider ourselves newlyweds, and we're not quite ready for kids."
"I know, I know, but don't take too long, okay?"
Samantha winced again and she appeared to be in distress. She took her left hand off the steering wheel and began flexing her fingers.
"Now I know you're not all right," said Cassie. "What's wrong?"
"I don't know. All of a sudden, I feel kind of strange. My left arm is starting to hurt, and my fingers are getting this weird, tingly sensation."
"I think you better let me drive." Cassie's voice sounded urgent.
"I'm going to, Cassie. As soon as I can find a safe spot, I'll pull over and let you take the wheel."
The car suddenly swerved.
"Mom!"
They were sliding off the road. Cassie looked at her mother, suddenly slumped against the door. She heard another car honk its horn as she braced for impact. Time seemed to slow down. She felt the car tilt sideways, as if they were in a free fall, before it tumbled downward, crashing into the trees below. As it rolled, Cassie watched her life pass before her eyes. The last thing she saw before her world went dark was Jeremy's face.
