“I’m okay.”
That usually means something else isn’t. It always means something else isn’t okay.
E. called twice on Saturday. S. hollered through the bathroom door, over running water from the shower. “E needs for you to call as soon as you’re done! He already called twice.” We’d been messaging back and forth. He probably wants to pick something up on the way here. Ice cream, or maybe my favorite coffee.
I finished without rushing and returned his call.
“I’m okay.”
“Okay…what happened?”
“Yeah, you know that yield sign where you have to crank your head all the way back and it’s a stupid traffic flow design? The brand-new Mini-Cooper in front of me didn’t go when it was clear. We’re exchanging information now, I’ll be there in a bit.”
He sounded calm. That’s what made me nervous. When he got home, I took a look. License plate was bent. Otherwise, no major damage. Fender bender minus the bent fender. I looked at the pictures of the other car, walked into the house, and discussed the next steps, grateful it wasn’t worse.
Nerds Beget Nerds 
Oh, Alice, you are so right! To hear, “I’m okay” means something else is not. I like the way you put that! Wow. So glad it’s not worse. I like the description of the yield sign and the poorly designed traffic area he gave. I’m glad all is well.
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I’m still learning how to stay calm when I get phone calls, unsure of what’s coming.
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Oh yes, that is a phrase that every parent knows has MIXED emotions and mixed next steps. It is hard to put a finger on this emotion,,,,someone is usually suffering! Hope it works out ok for you,
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Fortunately it wasn’t even enough to be an official fender bender.
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Whew, hope it is okay. That loaded phrase and your timed dialogue made for a suspenseful slice. Definitely was holding my breath.
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All is well and it was more of a mark/scratch than anything else.
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