Weird how we both stood there a long moment in awkward silence, him just staring at me, while I reached for something to say, before landing on the obvious.

"Pamela," I blurted, holding up my phone. "She's okay."

I was expecting at least some small acknowledgment but the wave of relief that passed over his face surprised me. Dad joined me, read the email, handed back the phone with a grin.

"Leave it to Pam," he said. And tossed the cell to the bed ...