The call came in the middle of the night, and I knew instantly that something was wrong. But nothing could have prepared me for what I would discover waiting at the hospital.My name’s Maren. I’m 47, and I have a son, Leo, 19. He’s my whole world.Through everything, it’s always been just us. Although he’s turning into a young man, Leo still kisses my cheek before leaving and says, “Love you, Mom,” with meaning.But that night felt different.At 1:08 a.m., Leo’s call woke me up. “What’s wrong?” I asked.”Nothing, Mom… just stay up for me, okay?”

I smiled groggily. “Why?”Ooh, a girl?” I teased.No,” he said quickly. Then, quieter, “But she’s definitely someone… very special. I want you to meet her as soon as possible.”Something in the way he spoke made my chest constrict.”I’ll explain when I get there. Just trust me.”I reluctantly agreed.That’s the last thing he said.At 2:03 a.m., I received a call from the hospital while making a cup of coffee to help me stay awake.They said there was a head-on collision on Route 9I honestly don’t remember the drive to the hospital, just flashing lights, noise, and my hands shaking on the wheel.When I rushed into the reception area, they told me Leo was in surgery. He was alive, but barely.I was too anxious to sit in the waiting room. I was pacing when a doctor came in to talk to me.