Chapter 4

I changed our flight tickets.

Eleven o'clock today. This morning.

Nine that morning. I brewed coffee in this kitchen for the last time.

The Red Velvet cake Aaron bought last night was still sitting on the counter.

Owen took the heavy box and dropped it directly into the trash can.

Ten that morning. I picked up the signed divorce agreement from my lawyer downtown.

First clause: Sole physical and legal custody to Vivian.

While I was out, I saw Vanessa's new Facebook post.

"So excited for a family day at the big game! Blessed to have a man who always makes sure his son is included in the fun!"

Owen sat on the porch step. He saw the notification pop up on my iPad. He didn't say a word.

He just looked up at me. "Mom, is the Uber close?"

Ten thirty. Bags loaded. We took the car to the airport.

Thirty minutes until we were supposed to meet Aaron at the stadium.

Owen held his phone, quietly scrolling through his camera roll. Staring at photos of Aaron.

Photos from his kindergarten graduation. Aaron hoisting him onto his shoulders.

He watched them silently. No tears. Just a heavy, suffocating grief that filled the backseat of the Uber.

Eleven o'clock. We were about to go through TSA.

Aaron called.

"Vivian. Tell Owen I am so, so sorry. Cody got severely car sick on the way to the stadium. I have to take him back to Vanessa's apartment to lie down."

"I don't think I can make it to the game at all today. Just tell Owen I had an emergency."

"Tell Owen I will absolutely make it up to him!"

He ended the call fast. He didn't even hear the airport intercom announcements playing in the background.

"Let's go," I said softly, taking Owen's hand.

He nodded. He selected every single photo of Aaron in his folder. And hit delete.

Noon sharp. Wheels up.

I put Owen's neck pillow on for him. I looked out the window at the shrinking city below, and let out a long, shuddering breath.

Goodbye, Aaron.

Aaron was still racing toward the stadium.

He had no idea there was no one left waiting for him.