June let out a sharp, breathless whimper that ended in a soft, wet cough against my shoulder.

“The road construction on Route 83 is going to add fifteen minutes,” Ethan said, checking the illuminated digital clock on the dashboard.

“Alan Vance literally told the entire division on Tuesday that anyone who misses this launch review is off the project.”

“Keep your eyes on the lane,” I said, leaning over June to re-adjust her thick fleece blanket.

The winter rain picked up, hammering against the station wagon roof in steady, heavy bursts that drowned out the radio static.

Ethan slowed down as we approached the bright commercial intersection of Main Street, where the overhead traffic light swung from amber to solid red.