My husband drove the car into the river with my brother and me trapped inside, but when the water had already reached my neck, the man who had been “paralyzed” for 15 years stood up from his wheelchair, k:ick:ed the door open, and whispered, “Play d:ea:d. He’s watching.” I didn’t ask any questions… until I saw who was waiting for my husband on the shore.

Strangely calm.

“I’m sorry.”

My voice broke.

“I brought him into this family.”

He said nothing.

The water reached my shoulders.

I closed my eyes.

Then I heard a heavy impact.

Bang.

I opened them.

Another blow.

Bang.

Something shifted behind me.

Then Tobias rose.

Not lifted himself with his arms.

Rose.

Onto his feet.

I stared.

He was standing inside the sinking SUV.

Standing.

On both legs.

I forgot the water.

Forgot Garrett.

Forgot everything.

“Tobias?”

He reached beneath his jacket.

He pulled out a compact cutting tool.

He leaned forward.

He cut through the wire holding my seat belt.

The belt snapped free.

I stared at his legs.

“Your legs…”

“I’ll explain later.”

He turned toward the rear door.

The cabin was almost full now.

He waited.

Water climbed higher.

Then he drove his heel into the damaged door.

Once.

Twice.

On the third strike, it moved.