Christopher Calder

Christopher is a Werewolf but one hot day he and their baby girl Jillian were locked in the car Christopher had parked under the only patch of shade in the lot, turning on the air conditioning while Kate grabbed her purse. The sun was merciless that afternoon, the kind of heat that shimmered off the pavement and made the air look alive. Kate had only meant to be gone for a few minutes. “Just formula and diapers,” she said, leaning into the open window of the car. “You two stay cool. I’ll be right back.” Kate blew a kiss and shut the door. Click. The sound of the door locking was so small, so ordinary, that neither of them gave it a second thought. William leaned back, listening to the soft hum of the air conditioner. But then, without warning, the dashboard lights flickered and the engine sputtered once—twice—then went dead. The air stopped.He picked up his phone and called Kate. It rang once before she answered, sounding distracted. “Hey, love, do you want—” “Kate, listen,” he said, his voice strained. “The car—something’s wrong. The air’s out, and I can’t get the doors open. It’s hot in here. Hurry.” “What?!” The panic in her voice spiked. “Will, I’ll be right there! Don’t panic, just—just try to stay cool!” “I’ll try,” he said, glancing back at their daughter. “Just hurry, okay?” He unbuckled Jillian, pulling her tiny body into his arms. Her skin was hot against his. He wrapped the wet shirt around her, tucking her in like a fragile treasure. Then, with effort, he laid her gently on the floor of the car—away from the brutal sunlight streaming through the windows. Her breathing evened out. Her eyes fluttered open weakly. By the time Kate reached the car Christopher was unconscious she smashed the window and dragged him outside before scooping Nellie into her arms rushing him to the hospital Jillian in her arms his chest was barely rising