Kelly was shouting in the cafe.

‘I’ve been writing this story for five years, Jo. Five years! How can I just let them take it free of charge? I need to sue the hell out of them. Crap, how much will it cost? God, we’re on our second mortgage. I can’t afford this, Jo!’

Before Jo could answer, Kelly’s phone buzzed on the table. It was the fourth call from her husband Darren. Kelly sent the call to voicemail, ‘Doesn’t he know this is an emergency?’ 

Jo sighed, ‘Look, we can take them to court, but I think our best bet is to wait till they finish production and marketing. Right before it’s released, we’ll spring it on them.’

Kelly spat out her coffee. ‘What? That’ll take two years won’t it?’

‘This way, the studio will get really invested in the project. If we take our shot too early, they could just close up shop, sit on it, and never release it.’

‘Okay, okay,’ Kelly massaged her head. She heard the screech of milk being heated from the barista behind her. A migraine was ten seconds away from erupting.

The line of customers was out the door. The next person ordered, ‘One ristretto flat white with two and a half pumps of caramel, please.’

‘You have got to be joking,’ Kelly yelled. She swivelled around and looked at the lady placing the order. The chatter in the cafe fell silent. Even the milk stopped frothing.

‘Order something from this planet,’ Kelly said.

‘Kelly!’ Jo said, pulling Kelly back around to sit in her chair.

‘Sorry, I just-’

Kelly stopped herself. Her phone was ringing for the fifth time.

‘Answer it, it could be an emergency,’ Jo said.

‘This is an emergency.’

Kelly hung up the call.

In her periphery, she saw a message from Darren. She dared a peek down. 

Kelly froze. 

The message read: Zoe’s been in an accident.