The wheels on the motorbike continued to spin. I tried to reach my coat without letting go of his head but it was beyond my reach.

"My leg! My leg! It hurts so much."

"It's okay, you're going to be just fine--don't breathe so fast--it's okay."

While I spoke I stretched out my arm to reach the jacket. If I could just get it then I could rest his head on that, maybe go and call for help. My fingertips weren't even close.

It had all happened so quickly. I had spilled some coffee on my lap. Had been meaning to get that cup holder fixed for months, just in case I should spill a hot drink while I was driving. And it happened here. Arizona state. No phone for miles.

"Okay--I'm going to rest your head down on the road, just for a second while I get you something to use for a pillow."

"It hurts so much."

I couldn't believe that I was being so calm. Normally blood was something that freaked me out. Even going to get a shot left me feeling weak and dizzy. I let his head drop against the tarmac. Although I did it as gently as I could there was a sickening, wet thud as bone met the road.

"Is my leg okay?"

I didn't know what to say. To get my coat I had to knock the lower half of his leg off it. What else could I do? There was no ice around, I couldn't freeze it. I didn't know what to do.

"It's fine. You're going to be okay. Just relax. Keep breathing."

All he was looking at was the hand that he held up in front of his face. It was probably the only part of him that looked okay.

"But I'm gonna be okay, right? I'm gonna be fine, right?"

"'Course you are. You're gonna be just fine--just keep breathing.... keep breathing."