Page 35 of Back to Willow

“Sure, have a nice evening.” Hanging up in a hurry. Immediately, I call Shilah, explaining to her the situation and asking if I can make it up to them with extra hours next week. But like the amazing boss that she is, she suggests I bring Dylan along because it’s a weekday and it’ll be calm. The fact that her daughter is there helps because she can keep an eye on Dylan if we get too busy.

I swear that woman is an angel.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” I tightly hug Shilah as soon as I enter the diner with Dylan by the hand.

To say he is excited to come with me to work is an understatement. He is ecstatic. He’s been jumping and thanking me for being able to come with me, and now, as I hug Shilah, he is thanking her, too.

We brought a couple of playing cars and colouring books to keep him busy for the next few hours. Shilah also insisted on us having dinner here, even though I usually eat before starting my shift.

“Nonsense!” She gently pried herself off of me. “Now, let me meet this handsome young man!”

“I’m Dylan.” He happily extends his hand.

“I’m Shilah. Nice to meet you.” He once again kisses her hand, and she puts her free hand to her chest, fake swooning.

Dear god, this kid will be nothing but trouble.

“Are you excited to spend time with us?” she asks, and he beams at her.

With a smile splitting his face, he exclaims, “Yes!Can I help?” His big blue eyes shine with curiosity, and I chuckle at his eagerness.

“Unfortunately, no, dear; you’re still too young. But do you see that booth?” He nods his head eagerly, looking at the table she is pointing at. “It’s everyone’s favourite table, and you’ll get that one tonight.” She winks at him before continuing, “You’ll even have dinner there. Are you up for a burger?” He nods while bouncing on the spot. “Good. Now, go sit up there. Hannah, my daughter, will be spending time with you for as long as she can, while Mummy and I start work, okay?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Hannah extends her hand to him, and he easily accepts it, twisting and kissing it.The charm.She giggles before telling me not to worry because she’ll take care of him. Hand by hand, they go towards the booth and sit down across from one another. That kid has never been a timid one.

Quickly, I head to the staff room to get ready for work. There are still a couple of hours left until dinner time for Dylan, thank god I wasn’t doing the last shift tonight.

As soon as I’m ready, I approach him and Hannah. He’s sitting with his things spread across the table, talking to her animatedly.

“Baby,” I call to get his attention and sit down next to him. “Mummy will be running around working. I will come to you whenever I can. Don’t think that I have forgotten you, okay? Call only when you need something. In a little bit, I’ll bring you dinner, and please don’t forget: do not speak to strangers, yes?” He bobs his head and hugs me lightly, kissing me on the cheek at the same time.

“Now, little man, are we going to colour or what?” Hanna grins at him, and he promptly opens the book for them to share as I stand up and dive into work.

Just as Shilah predicted, the night goes smoothly, and in no time, I am giving Dylan his beloved burger.

Soon after he finishes his food, the place fills up a bit more, and as I get a little busier, my only solace is that when I look at the booth, Dylan is there with Hanna. She’s nineteen and could easily be annoyed for having to babysit. Except, just like her mother, she’s a total sweetheart, keeping him entertained. She’s amazing.

It’s easy to whine and complain about the problems we have in life, and even though things aren’t perfect, I often seem to forget about the luck I have. Shilah and her family have been nothing but fantastic, supportive, and understanding since we arrived here. And that makes the work a whole lot easier.

I notice the beer kegs are empty, and since it’s still not too busy, I take a bit of time to change them. I do it whenever I can to avoid having Shilah do it because of her back. She is not old but had an injury a few years back, so it’s best if she doesn’t carry anything heavy.

Not even ten minutes have passed since I last saw him but when I come outside and fail to see Dylan in his booth, my chest constricts.

Neither of them is there, and my first thought is to look in the restrooms. Failing to find them there either, panic sets in. Sweat starts to pour from me as I exit the women’s toilets and search in the kitchen. Xico is there alone and looks at me with a frown. Ignoring his confusion, I head to the staff room and peek inside, but when I notice it’s empty, too, I feel like pulling my hair out and throwing up at the same time.

“Shilah!” I call her franticly. “Have you seen Dylan?”

At that same time, Professor Prick decides to come into the diner, but I am too far gone to worry about his attitude. He can taunt me all he wants, today is not his day.

Or mine.

He strides toward me with confidence, but as I watch the door behind him, it occurs to me the one place I haven’t searched for them yet: outside.

I scour the entire parking lot in a desperate hope of finding them playing together, only to find it empty. An eerie silence feeds the dread coursing through my veins. No rushing steps, not even hushed voices.

“Eleven-two,” I mumble, repeating the Portuguese emergency number. “I have to call eleven-two.”

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