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“You can’t stay?” I pouted and then looked at Papa Chris.
“Let me see what we can arrange,” Papa Chris said. “We could use another hour of practice while you’re here, and you two can play.
Mom makes a few calls, and Archer’s parents agree to let him stay for lunch and dinner. We’re meeting my cousins at the playground. That’s the cool thing about living next door to them. We have a big backyard and plenty of things to do.
“Can we use the pond for ice skating?” I asked Papa Chris.
He shrugged. “If we can get enough adults to supervise.”
“You have a pond?”
I nodded. “You’re going to love it.”
“Why don’t you open your present?”
The box had a ladybug plushy and a bracelet with ladybugs. I hugged him. “This is the best present ever.”
“That’s what you said about your birthday present, and I was able to find a better one.” He shrugged. “Maybe I can get something better next time.”
“You don’t need to. I love them, and I’ll keep them forever.”
“I want to though,” he insists.
“Just open yours.”
He pulls out the prototype airplane drone Uncle Mason built for him.
“No way! Is this like Seth’s?”
“Yes.”
“I love you so much, Ladybug.”
“I love you too. Why don’t we go and help Dad with lunch?”
We set the presents on the coffee table and ran to the kitchen. This might be the best day of my life.
ChapterEight
Dear Archer,
It’s been three months since you disappeared.
Three long devastating months.
And five months since the last time I was in your arms.
Where are you?
Silly question, right? You must be somewhere hiding, with little food and maybe hurt. If Uncle Mason allowed it, I would be the one heading the search and rescue expeditions. I know what you’re thinking. I have to be more careful with myself.
Let’s not argue about my self-preservation, okay? We’ll never agree about that. We should focus on the exercise you asked me to do.
I played for the first time in several months. I used my favorite violin, and I played it for you. Did you hear it? Each note was a wish. A wish that you’ll come back soon, that someone is looking after you, that you’re, indeed, alive.
I know you are. I can still feel you.
I miss you more than I could’ve ever imagined. My soul is filled with sorrow. No one will ever know this, but I’m not okay. I cry myself to sleep and continue crying while I’m sleeping. The most important part of my heart is missing. Please come back soon.
