Wow… You Weaponized Pauses

This happened several years ago, when I was in middle school (around the age of twelve). A school event had just ended, and the mom of a good friend came up to me, a serious expression on her face.

Friend’s Mom: “I need to give you a ride home. Your mom was in a car accident.”

She stopped just like that. I stared at her. Seconds passed. The shadows lengthened as the sun moved through the sky. Seasons changed. Civilizations rose and fell. She remained silent, her face a stone.

Me: “Is my mom going to be okay?”

Friend’s Mom: “Oh, of course! She’s fine, and so is your brother, who was in the car too. Just a fender bender. She just needs me to give you a ride home since she’s dealing with all that hassle.”

That was around three decades ago. I still don’t know why she didn’t lead with the fact that no one in my family was hurt or worse. And yes, the friend’s mom did give me the family password, after she told me my mom was okay.

UPDATE: This story has been updated with extra details supplied by the OP.