Chapter 13 - Benji Remembered the Rock
Benji survived without permanent major injury.
He spent two days in the hospital.
Heat illness.
Smoke exposure.
Dehydration.
Months later, Edward asked whether he could meet me again.
Mom agreed.
Public park.
No cameras.
Benji came carrying the same teddy bear that had fallen beside his foot in the car.
He stared at me.
I stared back.
Then he asked:
“Are you the rock girl?”
“Yes.”
He smiled.
“You broke Dad’s car.”
Edward laughed for the first time since arriving.
“Yes, she did.”
Benji handed me the teddy bear.
“For you.”
I shook my head.
“That’s yours.”
“You saved him too.”
The bear had been trapped inside with him.
Child logic.
Perfectly fair.
I accepted it for one afternoon.
Then gave it back before we left.
Edward told Mom:
“I don’t know how to repay her.”
Mom answered:
“Then don’t make her responsible for your gratitude.”
That sentence stayed with him.
Instead, Edward funded a neighborhood child-safety program through an independent community organization after asking local leaders what was actually needed.
Not named after me.
No billboards.
No television special.
Crosswalk supervision.
After-school meals.
Family emergency assistance.
May you like
Practical things.
Mom approved.
