Page 73 of Pause

“Oh, he remembers. I can guarantee it. You’re overthinking this, Slade. We’re along for the ride. Let’s see what happens.”

I want this to go well so much, I have a knot forming in my stomach. I want Slade to be happy. I want this to be a good day for him. Monumental. I think the anticipation is killing us both.

I get to my feet. “Let’s just go. Right now. We have a good chance of finding him. Let’s do this.”

Slade stands as well. We stare at each other from across the small table.

“I’m terrified,” he tells me.

“I know. Perfectly normal. It’s a big day. Huge.”

He nods. “You’re right. Let’s do this.”

We set off, his hand holding mine a little tighter than usual. It’s early. The only people out and about are people going to work. Some kids are out playing soccer in the open spaces, before the tourists descend and they won’t have room to play. Garbage bags are hung on doorknobs, and a garbage boat is out collecting the trash.

We come across an open-air market, the area buzzing as the fresh fruit, vegetables, and various fish and meats are being laid out for display. I wonder if some locals still purchase only the amount of food they will need for the day, even though grocery stores are common nowadays.

The locals speak loudly to each other and gesticulate wildly with their arms. I can’t understand a word, and it makes me think they’re angry with each other, but it’s just the way they speak. I love seeing a new culture. We’re all human in the end, yet our lives are dissimilar, our experiences so diverse. I wonder if they realize just how unique Venice is to all of us crazy tourists. It’s normal life for them.

Slade comes to a halt, facing me, his expression distressed. “Wait. It’s Monday.”

“Is that a problem?” I’m confused.

“It could be. I assumed he’d be retired because my mom’s retired. But she was forced into early retirement because of her health.”

Shoot. I was thinking the same thing. “Oh, so he might be at work.”

“We should’ve tried to find him yesterday.” Slade face palms as he groans. “Hindsight’s a jerk.”

“Hey, we were both exhausted yesterday. We were awake for a grand total of what? Six hours? A couple hours of sightseeing wore us out. We’re fresh today. Now’s the right time. Let’s concentrate on finding him first. We’ve always known we’re taking a huge chance. Don’t let that stop us now,” I say in an effort to console him. I place my hands on my hips. “Besides, with all the time we spent planning this trip, I can’t believe we didn’t think of that.”

He responds with a half-smile, visibly relaxing. “Why stop being impulsive now? Might as well see it through. Is that what you’re saying?”

“That’s what I’m saying.”

“What goes to work must come home from work. Law of physics.”

“Exactly.”

“You didn’t know you were gonna be my official ledge-talker-offer, did ya?” Slade pulls me in for a hug.

“Happy to hold that title.” I love helping him for a change.

We set off again, our pace a little faster than earlier, Slade’s steps unwavering.

After about twenty-five minutes, Slade stops in front of a beautiful home. “According to my directions, this is it.”

We’re standing across the canal from a large stone home with arched windows and a wrought-iron-encased balcony. The only way to get to the front door is to walk over a bridge that leads only to the front door of this particular home.

“Wow,” Slade says under his breath. “This is the family home.”

“This isyourfamily home.”

“Wow, again. I wasn’t expecting this.”

“Are you sure this is the right house?” I ask.

“Only one way to find out.” He takes a deep, cleansing breath.

---