upset

He needed a ride to the local game center. To bowl. Play videos. And to even drive some go-carts. His mom drove.

A woman traveling East was sitting in her car. At the stop light. Laughing. Maybe about something her passenger said. Maybe about a memory. Her head tilted back because she was laughing so jubilantly. Her turquoise hat fell backwards. Off her head. Between her shoulders and the seat. She reached back. Grabbed it. Still laughing.

The light turned green.

His mom continued West.

His friend was already there. Waiting. With his dad. Waiting for him to arrive before they went inside the game center.

Goodbye. See you later. Call me. Or text. Love you. She drove off. Back towards home.

Suddenly, bright lights flashed in front of her.
Siren lights.
She slowed down.
Made way for the emergency vehicle.
But the paramedic looped around.
Now, she could see the red lights.
The brake lights.
Glaring at her.

She slowly pulled forward. Towards the flashing lights. An accident had occurred. A head-on collision.
She drove passed.
Slowly.
Saw the blue hat on the paved ground.
Heard crying.
Are you alright? someone asked.
The woman was no longer laughing happily.
She was unexpectedly scared.
Upset.

(contribution for GBE2 word prompt: UPSET)