Chapter 3
On Friday afternoon, I stood near the teacher's lounge and called my colleague, Sarah.
"Hey, Sarah," I said, keeping my voice relaxed. "Are you still looking to trade shifts for Family Night tonight?"
"Oh my gosh, yes!" Sarah gasped over the line. "My husband's flight gets in at eight, but I was assigned the gym duty from seven to eight-thirty."
"I'll take the gym," I said. "You take my six-to-seven shift in the cafeteria."
"Gwen, you're an angel! Are you sure? The gym gets so chaotic during the project showcase."
"I'm sure," I said, looking out the hallway window at the empty parking lot. "I actually have something I need to take care of in the gym."
By six-fifty-five, the school gymnasium was already filled with parents and students.
I stood by the second-grade table in my black blazer, greeting parents as they walked past.
A few minutes before seven, Claire Bennett walked over to the display table with Noah beside her.
The boy was holding his paper rocket tightly, his eyes wide as he looked around the bustling room.
"Everything looks wonderful, Mrs. Clark," Claire said, offering a polite smile.
She glanced toward the crowded aisles. "Your husband couldn't make it tonight?"
"He planned to," I said, keeping my tone warm and light. "But a late client dinner came up at the last minute."
Claire gave me a sympathetic, knowing smile.
"I understand completely. Noah's father is stuck in a meeting too. His work is always like that."
For a moment, we simply stood beneath the bright fluorescent lights, two women sharing a quiet moment of mutual understanding.
Noah pulled gently on Claire's coat and held up his paper rocket.
"Dad helped me fix the fins over video last night. He promised he'd see it fly for real."
"Then I hope he makes it," I said softly, looking at the boy.
Claire smiled, smoothing Noah's hair. "He promised he'd try."
Claire guided Noah toward the launch area, but he kept glancing back at the double doors.
I stood fifteen feet away, watching them.
The boy jumped on his tiptoes every time the heavy glass doors swung open, his small shoes squeaking against the floorboards.
At seven-fourteen, my phone vibrated in my jacket pocket.
I pulled it out. A text message from Barry sat on the screen:
[The dinner is running late, honey. Don't wait up for me tonight.]
I stared at the message for three seconds, then slipped the phone back into my pocket and turned my gaze toward the gymnasium doors.
One minute later, at seven-fifteen, the heavy double doors pushed open.
Barry walked in.
He wore his dark trench coat, holding a small wrapped gift box in his hands. He stepped inside, scanning the crowded floor for his son.
Noah saw him first.
"Dad!" Noah shouted.
The loud call echoed across our corner of the gym.
Two nearby mothers turned their heads, smiling at the excited boy.
Noah dropped his paper rocket and sprinted across the wooden floor.
Barry's face lit up with genuine warmth.
He dropped to one knee, throwing his arms open, and caught the boy in a tight embrace, lifting him off his feet.
"There's my big guy!" Barry laughed, ruffling Noah's hair and kissing his cheek before holding up the wrapped gift. "Look what I brought you!"
Claire walked over, her face glowing with relief as she leaned against Barry's shoulder, resting a hand gently on his arm.
To the parents standing around them, they were the picture-perfect, loving family.
I had my answer.
My nose stung. My eyes burned, but I refused to look away.
Twelve years beside him, and I was the stranger standing fifteen feet away.
I stepped out from behind the display table, my heels clicking evenly against the wooden floor as I walked straight toward them.
Barry grinned, picking up Noah's paper rocket from the floor and turning the boy around.
"Show me how this rocket flies—"
"Barry," I called seriously.
His voice cut off.
His eyes locked onto mine.
The grin froze on his face, the color draining from his cheeks so fast he looked as if he were about to faint.
Claire frowned, looking between Barry's pale face and mine, completely confused.
"I'm glad work didn't keep you after all, Barry," I said.