Friend Killed My Only Son

Caleb, I just messed up big time. I was driving and hit someone... I think it's your son!

My buddy, Blake Miller, had just gotten his driver's license yesterday. He insisted on driving to the preschool alone to pick up the kids.

I warned him that the route was packed with heavy trucks and told him to practice for a few more days.

He just rolled his eyes. "Don't worry, man. My skills are top-notch!"

Then he floored the gas and disappeared down the road.

It wasn't long before my phone rang. His voice was thick with horror.

He said he'd hit a boy at the preschool. There was blood everywhere, and the kid looked just like my son.

I froze. My son, Leo, had a fever today. He didn't even go to school.

So, who exactly did he hit?

My brain went numb. I couldn't even process the words at first.

WhDwhat did you just say? I stammered.

I was pulling in to get the kids, and I hit the gas instead of the brake... I hit a little boy. Hes covered in blood. Hes wearing that blue hoodie, the one your son always wears...

I tried to explain, but Blake cut me off.

Caleb, you need to get down here right now! I didn't mean to do it, I swear...

Then he just hung up.

I didn't have time to think. I grabbed my jacket and bolted out the door.

By the time I reached Green Valley Preschool, I was in a complete daze.

A small crowd had gathered in the yard. A white sedan was parked crookedly on the playground, and a child was lying in front of the bumper.

He was so small. The blue hoodie he was wearing was already soaked through with dark blood.

Blake was crouching nearby, sobbing. When he saw me, he lunged forward to grab my arm.

Caleb! Im so sorry! I didn't mean for this to happen! I just... Im not a good driver yet...

Looking at the carnage, I felt a surge of pure rage.

I warned you today! I told you the traffic was bad and you shouldn't be driving yet. Now this happens? What good are your apologies now?

Blake covered his face and wailed even louder.

I ignored him and walked toward the child.

The boy was lying on his side, face down. I couldn't see his features.

But that blue hoodie was identical to the one my son owned.

I knelt down, reaching out to turn him over.

Just as my fingers touched his shoulder, he let out a tiny movement.

Mm... it hurts...

It was a faint moan, as soft as a kitten's whimper.

He was still alive!

My heart hammered against my ribs. I looked up wildly. Hes alive! Someone call an ambulance!

Blake blinked, his expression going blank for a split second.

Hes... hes alive?

Yes! Call 911 now! I fumbled for my own phone.

But Blake didn't move.

His face shifted through a dozen emotions before he stepped forward and pinned my hand down.

Caleb, don't be impulsive.

The kid is hit this bad, hes definitely got internal bleeding. If you move him, he might die faster.

He lowered his voice, speaking rapidly. And look at him. This is clearly just a final spark before the end. He won't make it. Lets not waste medical resources.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

What the hell are you saying?

Im telling you the truth!

Blakes grip on my wrist tightened. If you call 911 and he dies at the hospital anyway, well be stuck with a massive bill! And if this gets out, my license is gone. My life will be over!

I stared at him like I was seeing a monster for the first time.

That is a human life! Youre the one who hit him!

I know! But I told you, it was an accident!

Blakes voice rose to a frantic pitch. Caleb, weve been brothers for years. Cant you think about me for once?

Youve lost your damn mind!

I shoved his hand away and started dialing.

Hello, 911? Im atD

Before I could finish, the phone was ripped out of my hand.

Blake hung up the call, clutching my phone to his chest.

Are you crazy, Caleb? I told you hes a goner! Youre trying to ruin me, aren't you!

I was shaking with fury.

Just as I was about to fight him for the phone, I heard footsteps approaching.

Whats going on here? What happened?

I turned to see the preschool director, Mr. Harrison, rushing over with a few teachers.

I lunged toward him like he was a lifeline. Mr. Harrison, call 911! A childs been hit! Hes still breathing!

The director looked at the boy on the ground, his face turning pale.

Stay calm. Let me see.

Mr. Harrison turned and whispered something to a female teacher behind him.

She nodded and hurried away.

I pressed him immediately. Mr. Harrison, did you call for help?

He didn't answer me. Instead, he looked at Blake.

Are you the father?

Blake shook his head and pointed at me. Hes the dad. Im his best friend. I... I accidentally hit him.

The director nodded, then turned his gaze to me.

Don't panic yet. Ive already called our schools on-site medic. Let him check the situation first.

I was stunned. The school medic? Why aren't we calling an ambulance?

Even if we call, itll take time for them to get here. Its better to let our doctor look first. Trust me, hes very experienced.

Something felt wrong, but I couldn't put my finger on it.

A few minutes later, a middle-aged man in a white coat ran up with a medical bag.

Mr. Harrison, what do we have?

The director pointed at the boy. Car accident. See if he can be saved.

See if he can be saved?

The phrasing sent a chill down my spine.

The medic knelt down, flipped the boys eyelids, and checked his carotid artery.

The whole process took less than thirty seconds.

Then he stood up and brushed the dust off his hands.

Hes gone. Pupils are dilated. Better find a place to bury him.

My head felt like it was exploding.

What did you just say?!

I lunged forward and grabbed his lapels. You just glanced at him for a second and decided hes dead? Did you even check him properly?!

The medic stumbled back, his face full of annoyance.

Am I the doctor or are you? I said hes gone, so hes gone. Look at the state of him. Whats left to check?

Youre full of it! My eyes were red with tears. Hes alive! I heard him moaning just a minute ago!

That was just a nervous reflex. A final twitch.

The medic shoved my hands off and straightened his coat. If you don't believe me, look for yourself. Is he moving now?

I threw myself beside the boy, my hands trembling as I touched his face.

He was cold. He wasn't moving anymore.

The tears finally spilled over.

Even if it wasn't my son, this was a living, breathing child!

I stood up abruptly, staring at the director.

Im calling the police! This is a tragedy!

Mr. Harrisons face darkened instantly.

Are you insane? If word gets out about this, our schools reputation will be destroyed! No one will ever send their kids here again!

I was shocked. A child is dead!

The child is already gone! The directors voice grew louder.

Whats the point of calling the police now? Can they bring him back to life?

Blake stepped closer, grabbing my arm.

Caleb, the director is right. Don't be rash. Your son is already dead. Making a scene won't help anyone.

I slapped his hand away.

Shut your mouth!

Blake stumbled back but didn't get angry. His tone actually became softer.

Caleb, I know youre hurting. But you have to think about the bigger picture. Well handle the funeral. Well pay for everything. We won't let him suffer in the afterlife.

The director nodded, his voice smoothing out.

Tell you what. The school will give you five thousand dollars. Your friend here will give you another five. Ten thousand dollars total. You take it, and we let this go.

Ten thousand?

I looked at them like they were monsters.

A childs life is worth ten thousand dollars to you?

Blake sighed, a hint of impatience creeping into his voice.

Caleb, don't be so stubborn. I apologized. Im willing to pay. What more do you want? Do you really want to see me rot in a cell?

Mr. Harrison agreed. Exactly. The dead are gone. You have to look forward. Ten thousand is a lot of money. Some people in the sticks aren't worth half that.

Some people aren't worth half that?

The blood rushed to my head.

Wait right here. Im calling the cops.

I reached for my pocket, then remembered Blake had my phone.

Give it back!

Blake stepped back, hiding the phone behind his back.

No. I cant let you do this!

Give it to me!

I lunged for him, and Blake shrieked as he ducked away.

The director shouted, Grab him! Stop him!

Two teachers rushed forward, pinning my arms to my sides.

I struggled with everything I had, but I couldn't break free.

A cold glint flashed in Blakes eyes.

Caleb, don't blame me. Im doing this for your own good. Once you calm down, youll realize this money is better than a messy lawsuit.

You killed a child and youre blocking the police, and you call that doing it for my own good?

I glared at him, but Blake turned his face away.

His insistence on picking up the kids today felt weird now.

He used to be terrified of driving. Hed delayed getting his license for years because of that fear.

The director sighed. Enough. Its over. The boy is gone. Making a fuss won't change that.

Fine. Ill add another two thousand. Twelve thousand dollars. Thats my final offer! Take the money and go home to handle the arrangements.

I looked at them and suddenly started laughing.

Mr. Harrison, do you even know whose child is lying there?

The director frowned. Isn't it your son?

Blake turned his head to look at me too.

A twisted smile touched my lips.

My son had a fever today. He never even made it to preschool.

Blakes expression froze.

What did you say?

I said, my son had a fever. I left him at home with my mom.

He never came to school today.

Blake jumped up, his voice cracking.

Impossible... impossible! The kid was wearing that blue hoodie! I saw it clearly!

Hoodies can be identical. People can't.

The director was the first to react, his face instantly switching to a fake, polite mask.

Oh my! It was all a misunderstanding! Then whose child is this? We need to contact the parents immediately!

He turned to the teachers. Go! Check the attendance for every class! Find out whos missing!

I looked at him coldly. A minute ago, you said he was my son and wanted to settle under the table. Now that you know he isn't, youre in a hurry to find the real parents?

The directors smile faltered.

Blakes expression shifted. He seemed to think of something, then leaned in and tugged on my sleeve.

Caleb, Im sorry about earlier. Don't take it to heart. Look, since its not your son, this has nothing to do with you anymore. Why don't you head home? well handle the rest.

Nothing to do with me?

I looked at his face and felt a terrifying sense of strangerhood.

You didn't say it had nothing to do with me when you were snatching my phone.

Blakes face paled.

I didn't bother with him anymore. I walked toward the child.

No matter whose kid it was, I couldn't just let him lie there like trash.

But before I could take two steps, a voice came from behind me.

Wait, thats not right. I remember your son coming to school this morning.

I stopped in my tracks.

What?

A young teacher spoke up hesitantly.

I was at the gate greeting kids this morning. I saw your son walk in. He was wearing that exact blue hoodie.

My heart sank like a stone.

Impossible! He was sick. He stayed home!

I really saw him! the teacher insisted. I even said hi to him, and he said, Good morning, Miss Miller!

Another teacher nodded quickly.

Yes, yes! I saw him too. He even waved at me.

I stood there, my head spinning.

Blake looked at the teachers, then back at me, a slow smirk spreading across his face.

Caleb, you said your son didn't come? How come all these teachers saw him?

They all saw him. They couldn't all be seeing things, right? Maybe youre just so stressed you forgot?

I clenched my fists.

No! My mom was with him. He couldn't have come!

Blake snickered. Then call her. Ask her and find out.

He handed my phone back to me.

I stared at him, feeling a wave of panic.

I took the phone and dialed with trembling fingers.

After a few rings, she picked up.

Hello, Caleb?

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my voice steady.

Mom, is Leo with you?

Leo? My mom sounded confused. Leo went to school, honey.

My brain felt like it had been struck by lightning.

He had a fever. I thought he was staying home?

The fever broke this morning, and he insisted on going. He said he had a playdate with his friends. My moms tone was casual. I dropped him off at the gate myself. Why? Is something wrong?

I opened my mouth, but my throat felt like it was filled with lead.

Hello? Caleb? What happened?

My mom was still talking.

But I couldn't hear a word.

The phone slipped from my hand and hit the ground with a loud thud.

I slowly turned around, looking at the small body on the pavement.

Blue hoodie.

The exact same blue hoodie Leo wore.

Was it really Leo?

I walked over, step by step, and pulled back the sheet covering the boys face.

The face was a bloody mess.

I couldn't make out his features.

The strength left my body, and I let out a gut-wrenching wail.

Blake walked over, trying to offer some hollow comfort.

Caleb, it really is Leo? Man, don't be too hard on yourself. People die... its just how it is...

I shoved him away and lunged at his throat, grabbing his collar.

You killed him!

Blake was knocked to the ground, looking like a victim.

Caleb! I told you it was an accident! What are you doing?!

An accident? You were blocking me from calling 911! You didn't say it was an accident then!

Blakes face went stiff for a moment.

The director rushed over to pull us apart.

Enough! Everyone calm down! We can't bring him back. The most important thing now is the arrangements!

The arrangements?

I turned to him, my eyes bloodshot.

Thats not what you said when you were stopping me from calling the police.

Mr. Harrisons expression turned ugly.

Blake scrambled up from the ground, dusting off his clothes. His fake sadness turned into pure annoyance.

I apologized already. What else do you want? You want to kill me too?

Apologize? I hissed.

You killed my son. You stole my phone. You stopped the ambulance. And you think an apology covers it?

Then what do you want! Blake yelled back. I told you I didn't mean to! Im willing to pay! What else can I do?!

He looked at me with a venomous glare.

I was trying to be nice and comfort you, and you shove me? Look at you, acting like a psycho. If I didn't feel sorry for your dead kid, I wouldn't even be talking to you!

He turned to the director.

Mr. Harrison, get someone to pull him away. Lets get the body out of here so he can be buried.

The director nodded and waved to the staff.

Move him.

Two teachers stepped up to grab my arms, trying to drag me away.

Get off me! I screamed. Don't touch my son!

A sharp sting suddenly blossomed on my cheek.

Slap!

My head snapped to the side, and I felt blood in my mouth.

Blake pulled his hand back, glaring at me.

Are you done yet? Youre going to let them take him or what!

I touched my face, the hatred in my eyes almost physical.

I was ready to fight them all to the death. Then, a voice came from behind me.

Daddy? What are you doing?

I froze and turned around.

Leo was standing by the door, completely unharmed.

If Leo was standing there... then who was the boy on the ground?!