Page 62 of Come to Me

“In New York.”

“He’s gone?” Tate’s lips trembled.

Micki nodded, understanding the boys disappointment and pain. “Yes.”

“Is he coming back?”

“I don’t think so.”

"He didn’t say goodbye.” Tears filled his eyes.

“He didn’t have time.”

“Why he had to leave so fast? He was supposed to stay longer and play with me more."

Micki's heart ached, knowing all too well the pain of an abrupt goodbye. She had felt the same sense of loss when Patrick had hurried off after the phone call that ended the sweet connection they shared.

"I know," she soothed, pulling her nephew into a comforting embrace.

Tate sniffled, his small body trembling. "But why couldn't he at least say goodbye. Didn't he like me anymore?"

Micki brushed the tears from Tate's cheeks. "Of course he liked you. Sometimes grown-ups have to leave in a hurry, and they don't get the chance to say goodbye the way we'd like." She paused, searching for the right words to ease his pain. "But that doesn't mean he didn't care. He just... had to go." She choked back her own tears.

He pulled away, his face contorting with a mix of sadness and anger. "It's not fair!” His hands balled into fists. "I wanted him to stay!"

His leg kicked out, nearly catching her in the thigh.

“I know you’re upset. I’m sad too, but you can’t kick?—”

“He’s mean. I hope he never comes back.”

She watched helplessly as Tate's behavior deteriorated, his outburst escalating into a full-blown tantrum. She knew she needed to intervene, to help her nephew process this latest disappointment, but the task felt overwhelming. How could she help Tate understand when she herself was still grappling with the abrupt end caused by Patrick’s departure?

Patrick would know what to do. What had he said the time Tate broke his window? Anger is a scary thing when it gets away from us, isn’t it?

“I know you’re mad?—”

“I hate him.” Tate ran off.

Feeling deflated, Micki sank back to sit on her heels. In an instant, all of Tate’s progress was gone. Logan really needed to get Tate the support he needed. Professional help that could guide him through dealing with his extreme emotions.

As if she’d summoned him, Logan appeared on the deck. “What’s with Tate?”

“He’s upset that Patrick left.”

Logan’s brows furrowed. “Why?”

“Why?” Did he really ask that? “Because Patrick was his friend and he left without saying goodbye.”

“First, Patrick is a grown man. It’s creepy that he’s friends with a seven year old. Second, friends don’t leave without a goodbye.”

She wanted to slug her brother. “He’s psychologist, Logan, not a creep. He’s why Tate has been acting better. And second, his father is sick, so he had to leave.” She shook her head in disappointment.

He pursed his lips. “He shouldn’t have been counseling?—”

“He wasn’t!” She threw up her hands in exasperation. “He was a friend. He listened. He supported. Logan, I know this has been difficult for you, but you have to get Tate help. He’ll only get worse. I can only imagine he’s feeling like people in his life keep leaving.”

“He’ll be fine?—”

---