Rene's phone rings and he looks at it for a moment, not sure if he should answer. He doesn't want to let work or anything hold him back from time with Celine. She's more importantthan anything that could possibly be going on at the office. Still, he sighs and picks up the phone, even just to prove to her parents that she comes first. But it isn't the office that's calling. He hears a choked sob, a few quick breaths, then Ann-Marie, his daughter, is on the phone. "Daddy ..." "What is, dear?" He asks, taking a step from Celine's parents. "Why are you crying?" "He ... He was in an accident." "Who?" Rene tries to calm her without demanding more answers despite the hair prickling the back of his neck and dread plunging like a rock into his stomach. "Jean-Pierre. He – He was in a car accident. He's at the hospital, but we haven't gotten anupdate. Mom is here, but ... but we don't know how bad it is." "Easy, Ann-Marie. I'll be right there. I promise. Everything will be okay. Don't worry." He forces out, refusing to let his pain out here. He wants to know more of what's going on beforehe gives into the avalanche of emotions that threaten him. Hanging up, he takes a slow breath. "I am so sorry. My son's been rushed to the hospital and I really have to go. I ..." He takes another sobering breath. "Please tell Celine that I'm sorry.You can tell her where I am. I just don't know ... I have to go.Therese gently pushes him to the front door. "Go. Go. You must be there for your son. We'll tell Celine. Don't worry about that." "Are you-" Rene starts. "Yes, we're sure! We're parents." Adhemar insists. "Go and we'll take care of Celine. This is more important than any date." Rene looks one more time towards Celine's room, before forcing himself to go to the hospital. As much as he would rather explain, even one minute can matter right now and if they're at the hospital, if his son allowed himself to be taken, it must be more serious than Rene wants to admit. Here's life, pulling them apart again, another test of their faith and of his priorities.
