Page 114 of Broken Dream

So I say nothing. And I wait for her to speak.

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Angie

Aunt Melanie’s text comes a moment after I send mine.

Yes, I’ll have time to see you. I’m at the hospital in a meeting. Meet me on the sixth floor in an hour.

Good enough.

I head on over to wait.

Funny that I haven’t looked into Jason.

So I start a search.

I’ve seen his faculty profile, but I want to know more.

What was Ralph alluding to?

The first thing I find out is that Jason Lansing is a pretty common name.

I sigh, pushing my hair back from my face. Adjusting the search parameters, I include his profession and the city of our university.

And a link catches my eye—an obituary. My heart skips a beat as I see it’s for a woman named Lindsay Lansing. The similarity of the surname is enough to pique my interest. I click on it.

The date on the obituary is three years old. The cause of death isn’t mentioned.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lindsay Davis Lansing, a beloved wife, mother, and schoolteacher. Lindsay’s unwavering kindness, boundless love for her students, and devotion to her family left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

* * *

Lindsay grew up with a passion for education and a deep desire to nurture young minds. She earned her degree in education from the University of Boulder and spent her career inspiring children to learn and grow, believing every student deserved a champion. Lindsay’s classroom was a haven of encouragement, creativity, and laughter, reflecting her own vibrant spirit.

* * *

Lindsay faced unimaginable heartbreak with the loss of her cherished daughter, Julia, at the tender age of three.

* * *

She is survived by her loving husband, Dr. Jason Lansing…

My heart drops out from under me.

This woman was Jason’s wife.

And she had a daughter, who I assume she had with Jason.

This man who I’ve become entangled with has faced two tremendous losses. No wonder he’s been so hard to read.

It was only three years ago. He’s probably moved on a little bit, but he’s still grieving his wife. And I can’t even imagine what he feels about his child.

They must have died only a few months apart. I read the rest of Lindsay’s obit.

She is survived by her loving husband, Dr. Jason Lansing, her sister, Marla (Christopher) Delgado, her brother, Logan (Cynthia) Davis, and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Barry (Lisa) Davis.

* * *