Trixie looked around her, dazed. There was a loud ringing in her ears. She felt her car door open and strong hands reached for her.

"Trixie, are you okay?" she heard a voice ask.

Trixie nodded her head and then looked up into the concerned face of Tad Webster.

"What happened?" she gasped.

"Let's get you out of your car first. Can you move?" asked Tad.

Trixie nodded again. Tad reached into the car and unclipped the seatbelt that was holding Trixie in place. He helped her out and led her over to a grassy area by the street. He carefully lowered her to the ground and placed his jacket gently over her shoulders She took a look at her car and shuddered. She saw the cluster of emergency vehicles on the street and the group of onlookers. She looked up at Tad, her eyes full of questions.

"You were waiting to make a left turn. That red SUV plowed into the back of you. Your car spun around and slammed into the light pole. I'm afraid your car might be totaled," Tad explained.

Trixie held her forehead in her hand. "Was anybody hurt?" she asked.

"No," answered Tad.

"Why are my ears ringing?" asked Trixie.

"Your airbag deployed and that makes a huge racket."

Tad rubbed Trixie's back, then disappeared briefly. When he reappeared, he was carrying a cup of hot tea from the nearby coffee shop. He guided the tea to Trixie's mouth and then watched as she drank the warm beverage. He was relieved to see color slowly returning to her face. Trixie sat back and watched as Tad jumped up and began assisting the emergency crews with the street clean-up. He then returned to her side where he gently readjusted the jacket on her shoulders. He took Trixie's hand and helped her stand. She wobbled and he reached out to steady her.

"I think we should get you checked out at the hospital, "said Tad. Despite Trixie's objections, Tad assisted Trixie to his car and placed her in it.

As they drove along, Trixie looked at Tad thoughtfully.

"You're a really nice guy, Tad."

"Huh?"

"Seriously, I was wrong about you. You're a really nice guy," remarked Trixie.

"What are you talking about?" questioned Tad.

"I used to think you were a goon." She paused. "But now, I see you as a friend."

Tad looked at Trixie and smiled. He pulled his car into a parking space and led Trixie into the emergency room. As the doors closed behind them, Tad yelled, "Could I get some help for my friend?"