He stayed where he could see us and gave the dispatcher the facts: a pregnant woman asking for help, a funeral van, people disputing what happened.

I remember that restraint.

He did not need to know the entire family history to believe I should be able to ask for an ambulance.

Two cruisers arrived before the ambulance.

Deputy Harris came toward us with his flashlight pointed low.

David began explaining immediately.

“A misunderstanding.

My wife is pregnant and became confused.”