Page 236 of From Rivals to I Do

Chapter sixteen

Chapter Six

The school bell rings, echoing through the corridors as I join the swarm of parents eagerly awaiting their children. The usual anticipation I feel at this

moment has been replaced lately by a quiet ache since Maya left, knowing that she won't be home with her warm smile and outstretched arms to greet

us. Instead, it's just me again, left to navigate this new reality on my own.

Henry bounds toward me, his backpack bouncing against his small frame. His eyes light up when he sees me, and I catch a glimpse of the innocence and joy that only a child can possess.

"Dad!" he exclaims, launching himself into my arms. I hold him tight, cherishing this precious connection that remains amidst the tumultuous storm of our lives.

"Hey, buddy," I reply, my voice filled with love. "Ready to head home?"

"Yes, Dad!" he says, rushing to the car.

"How was school today, champ?" I ask as I drive out of his school.

"It was good, Dad," he replies, his voice a sweet melody in the otherwise somber room. "We learned about dinosaurs, and Miss Johnson said I did a great job on my drawing. But... I miss Maya. I want to paint with her again."

My heart clenches at his words, aching for the pain he carries within him. He makes it harder for me because some days I just want to forget about Maya's absence, but then he says something that reminds me of her again. I scoot closer to him, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"I know you do, buddy," I say, my voice filled with empathy. "Maya will come back when she's ready. We just have to be patient."

Henry nods, his eyes searching mine for reassurance. I offer a smile, albeit a weary one, hoping to provide him with the comfort he desperately needs.

As we arrive home and make our way through the door, the weight of the empty house settles upon us, a constant reminder of Maya's absence. Everything has been different since Maya left three weeks ago. The walls echo with the silence that surrounds us, amplifying the ache in my chest.

"Do you have homework?" I ask Henry, guiding him toward the living room.

"Yes, Dad," he replies. "I'll get to it after I change into more comfortable clothes."

"Okay, buddy. Don't forget to put your clothes in the laundry bag," I say, narrowing my eyes playfully.

"Sure, Dad," he says, chuckling.

I sink into the worn armchair across the room and flip through TV channels until I stop at a sports channel. About an hour later, Henry wanders into the sitting room, and I tune to a kiddy’s channel, seeking solace in the colorful world of cartoons. I retreat to my study to catch up on a few books and papers.

Just as I begin to immerse myself in work, my phone buzzes on the desk, jolting me from my concentration. I glance at the screen, seeing the familiar number of my office flashing. With a sigh, I answer the call, bracing myself for the chaos that awaits.

"Jackson, we have an emergency," my colleague's urgent voice echoes through the receiver. "There's a fire we need you to handle immediately."

My heart quickens its pace as I absorb the gravity of the situation. Fire. Danger. I can't afford to hesitate.

"All right, I'm on my way," I reply, my voice steady despite the underlying worry. I hang up the phone, my mind racing as I assess the situation.

With a quick glance at the clock, I dial Karen's number and ask her to come over. She says she will arrive in thirty minutes. There's no time to waste. I rush to Henry's side, interrupting his cartoon reverie.

"Henry, I need to go to work for a little while," I explain, my voice laced with urgency. "Karen just pulled up and will stay with you until I get back. Stay with her and listen to her, she will fix you something to eat all right?"

Henry's eyes widened with concern. He looks at me, his voice tinged with worry. "But Dad, why do you have to go? Can't someone else go tonight? I want you to stay here with me."

I crouch down to his level, taking his small hands in mine. "I wish I could, buddy. But there's an emergency at work, and people need my help. I promise I'll be back as soon as I can. Karen will keep you company, okay?"

Henry's bottom lip trembles, his grip on my hands tightening. "Please, Dad, be careful," he whispers, his voice filled with vulnerability.

A surge of love and protectiveness courses through me, mingling with the urgency of the situation. I pull him into a tight embrace, burying my face in his tousled hair.

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