Page 52 of Missing

Beth

What a day! I was exhausted from the emotional roller coaster I’d just ridden. The highs of waking up in Doug’s bed, the nervousness of asking him to join us and bringing him to pick up Chase, the fear when I couldn’t see Chase at the museum, the gratitude to Doug for helping me navigate the situation when my anxiety made it hard to think.

Knowing it wasn’t his fault Chase had wandered off, my initial anger at Doug had worn off quickly and I’d forgiven him. I spent the rest of the day worried I’d lose Chase and wouldn’t let go of his hand except to let Doug take him to the men’s room.Chase was excited to get to be a big boy, but I couldn’t share his feelings. I’d hovered outside the door like a nervous nelly while I waited.

I was relieved when Chase fell asleep on the ride home. I had promised him ice cream, but I decided not to wake him. I’d make him a bowl at home.

Doug seemed to know exactly what I needed and suggested I take him home so I could have Chase to myself for the rest of the day.

I pulled into the garage and closed the door behind me before getting out of the car. It was one of the many safety protocols Phil had taught me and was now a habit. Much like locking the doors as soon as I got in or out of the car.

“Chase, time to wake up,” I said as I unbuckled his seatbelt.

He blinked his eyes a few times as he came fully awake.

“Where’s Mr. Doug?”

“He had to go home, but he wanted me to thank you for telling him all about the dinosaurs.”

“But we were supposed to get ice cream.” Chase looked like he might cry.

“We can still have ice cream; we’ll just have it here.” I said as I helped him out of the car. “Mr. Doug said he’ll take us out another time. You’ll get twice as much.”

“Yay.” As soon as we were inside, Chase ran to the kitchen and climbed into his favorite chair.

I rubbed his head as I walked by him, feeling blessed today hadn’t ended badly. I grabbed his favorite bowl and scooped some chocolate chip cookie dough into it. Then, because it’d been such a crazy day, and I was filled with gratitude induced generosity, I added some whip cream and chocolate sprinkles. He’d be on a sugar high for a while—and I’d enjoy every second of it.

“Here you go. I’m going to run out to grab your suitcase while you eat.”

“No ice cream for you?” he asked around a mouthful.

“Not yet, I’ll have some when I come back in.” I reached over and scooped a few sprinkles off his ice cream with my finger.

“Hey!”

“It was too yummy to resist.” I smiled around my finger. “I’ll be right back.”

Chase wanted to color after he finished his ice cream.

I sat on the couch and watched as he spread out on the floor. It was perfect.

After getting Chase cleaned up and put to bed, I texted Doug to ask if he could talk.

My phone rang a few minutes later in reply.

“Hey, how are you holding up?” he asked instead of saying hello.

“Better now. Chase is finally asleep.”

“Did he say anything about what happened?”

“Nah, he’s pretty resilient. Though he was sad you didn’t have ice cream with us.”

“Did you tell him I was sorry?”

His voice sounded a little strange.

“I did, and that you offered to take us out another time. Sorry for volunteering you.”

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