P ip floated in a haze of confusion as the EMTs rolled her gurney into the hospital. A tall, massive man stepped close to her. A doctor, and one she recognized. “Honey? Can you hear me? Tell me which twin you are so I know you’re in there !”
Matt’s brother looked down at her. An immediate feeling of calm took over, brushing aside the panic. Nate would take care of his brother. She lifted one hand to the mask covering her mouth and nose. She pulled it out of her way. “Matt? How’s Matt? He was right behind me !”
Nate leaned closer and brushed the hair off her forehead. “He’s coming in right behind you, Pip. How badly are you hurt? Can you feel your arms , legs ?”
“Yes. Just can’t breathe. Ribs. Rafter fell…” Pip remembered it all in that moment. Remembered her sister. “Nate! Perci! Perci was with me! The rafter fell on my sister! You have to find Perci! Help her !”
“Shhh. Pip, I’ll take care of Perci. I promise .”
“Perci and Matt and Jay Gunderson and…please, Nate… Please !”
Pip kept pleading and kept calling for Matt and Perci until she was coughing so badly she couldn’t speak again .