To celebrate Lizette’s thirtieth birthday, her family took her and Emmett to Sea World. He had good
memories of going there with his dad when he was a kid, but not since he was seventeen and a ride
operator at the new manta ray– themed roller coaster looked him up and down and said, “We’re probably
not gonna get you on this.” In fact they did get him on, by smashing the restraints down over his chest
and stomach, but the experience was so humiliating, and the ride so physically painful, that he’d never
tried it again.
These days Emmett would have no trouble, but out of respect for Lizette, who didn’t stand a chance, he
walked the park with her while her family and Armando stood in line. They bought soft pretzels and
explored Wild Arctic, observing the belugas and harbor seals. Emmett stood entranced before the walrus
exhibit, in awe of the unselfconscious poise with which they maneuvered their exquisite fatness through
the water: pushing off the glacial rockwork with a showy ripple, flattening their blubber against the
acrylic as if to make their bodies all the easier to admire. Emmett envied them. Over one hundred pounds
down from his starting weight, his own return to the water still felt a long way off.
In the hubbub of the crowded park, he didn’t notice his phone buzzing. By the time he checked it, he had
several missed calls and texts from Aaron. Just got to Humphreys. Are you here yet?
Got our tickets. I’m by will call when you get here. ETA? Don’t want to be late...
Where are you? The show’s already started Seriously where TF are you? Are you ghosting me??? What
was Aaron talking about? He had mentioned he and a friend were going to see some comedian at
Humphreys by the Bay, but there’d been no discussion of Emmett coming along.
He scrolled back through their extensive text log, pausing at the words I’m so excited, I love comedy!!!
When had he written that? A little further, and here was Aaron saying his friend couldn’t make it, asking
if Emmett would like to join him. Emmett agreeing. Aaron refusing to acc ept payment for the ticket.
What? Emmett couldn’t remember any of this. How had he forgotten an entire conversation? His phone
began to vibrate. “Shit.” “Everything okay?” Lizette said. “I’ll be right back.” Adrenaline pumping, he
squeezed through the crowd to the back of the ice cave–like exhibit area. How was he going to explain
this?
How had this even happened? “Aaron—” he said, answering the call. “Thank god, I thought something
happened to you. Where are you?” “I’m with Lizette—” “Lizette?” In the glare of Aaron’s snappish tone,
Emmett lost his nerve.
“There was an accident. She cut her hand chopping vegetables and I had to take her to the ER.” “Oh my
god, is she okay?” “She’s fine. But there was a lot of blood. It was really scary.” What are you talking
about?
“Shit. I’ll come over, where are you?” “No, no,” Emmett insisted. “I mean, thank you. But we’re fine.”
“Sorry for freaking out on you. I should’ve realized... Glad you’re both okay.”
“Thanks.” The word oozed guilt; Emmett swallowed it down. Looking around, he saw Lizette cocking an
eyebrow and making her way toward him. “Well, I’m gonna head inside and try to catch the last half,”
Aaron said. “Text you later?”
“Sure. Enjoy the show.” They said their goodbyes and ended the call. “What’s happening?” Lizette said.
“I’m such an idiot. I told Aaron I’d meet him and totally blanked.” “That’s not like you.” She looked
concerned. “Do you think it’s the—”
“It’s not anything. I just forgot.” “Okay, jeez. Is he mad?” “I gave him an excuse. By the way, you’re in
the ER. You almost lost a finger.” “Wow.” Lizette’s head rolled back. “That’s some dec eption. If you
ever lie to me like that, I swear to god—”
“All right,” he interjected. “Come on. Let’s find your family.”