We made it into the town square. According to the mayor's information, that means we are still a few miles away from the hospital. "I'm never going to trust your directions again," I yell at him, slamming my fists on my steering wheel. It let out a loud honk.
People started looking through the car window, tilting their heads a little bit and gesturing to their friends and neighbors to watch the new boy yell at the mayor. "Do you even know how to get to the hospital? We've been following your directions for hours, and all that we got were dead ends and a near-death experience." He looked, clamping his hands together now, his eyes not staying on a place.
"I-I don't know how to get to the hospital. I thought I could. The last time I went there was when my daughter was born, but that was years ago…I'm sorry young man, I don't think I can help you." he blurted, his cheeks red.
I took a moment to let that sink into my system. They were not helping my anger issues. "Wow….ok, so you just dragged me into this mess, AND you lied to me? Your directions nearly killed us, it nearly killed your daughter. How could you be so…dumb?" He looked at me, his eyes a little troubled. I'm not supposed to say that to my elders, but he nearly endangered our lives.
I collapsed into the car seat, holding my hands over my head. I couldn't take this anymore, I couldn't save any of my family members, yet again. It's not entirely my fault this time, but I felt the same hopelessness I felt years ago. There's nothing I can do to save my parents. I shakingly took my phone out and called out. He's the only one who knows how to drive. The line rang this time, but that was all it did.
"Pick up, please, just fucking pick up." I whimpered, Janae and her father silently watching me break down to insanity. He didn't pick up, of course, why would he? Nothing ever goes right for me.
Someone tapped me on the shoulder. It was Janae. Her curls were unharmed even after this series of traumatic events. Her eyes were watery, but she looked unharmed, physically.
"I know someone who does," she whispers. Her body seems to be shaking violently, even though it's midsummer.
"Jannie what do you think you're doing?" her father yelled from behind. She kept going: " She also knows the shortest path to the hospital". "No! I don't want another of you in this car giving your stupid directions and-"
"She drives there at least once a week. We can ask her for sure!" Should I give her a chance? I don't know, I don't trust them anymore. But…what other choice do I have right now?
I sighed deeply. One more look at my mother, and I might have a panic attack. Her breathing is harsh and forced. Her dramatic inhalations and exhalations seem forced. She's trying to hold on. Will she try to hold on if I tell her that I lost my father and sister?
I can't turn back, it'll kill her either way.
"Where does she live?"