Page 152 of The Promises We Were Never Meant To Keep

“Whoa.” I peer at the box, thrown back in time. “This is still around?”

“It’s changed a bit.” Faye slides onto a stool. “But it’s fun.”

“All right.” I nod at Mabel. “Set it up. I’m ready to kick butt.”

Mabel scrunches her nose just like her mom. “I winned last time.”

“Won, honey.”

Mabel ignores Faye as she pulls pieces from the box. We assemble the game and play a round. I don’t kick butt because this game is damn hard. Mabel takes the win. I’m convinced she’s cheating.

“Another round,” I say as Faye taps Owen’s contact. She brings the phone to her ear, and I try not to let the feeling of dread spread in my veins as I listen to it ring, and ring, and ring.

It goes to voicemail.

She hangs up and presses into another contact. There are two rings before she speaks, “Hi Laura, it’s Faye. Did Kyle pick up the boys from soccer?” There’s a pause and then, “Owen’s not home yet and he’s not answering.” She slides from the stool to pace. I don’t miss the way she hugs her middle with one arm. “I’m just starting to worry a little, is all.” Another pause and then, “Okay, please let me know.”

She hangs up.

I try not to sound worried as I ask, “What did she say?”

“She’s going to call Kyle and Colton.”

I nod. “Maybe they stopped for slushies.”

Faye nibbles her lip as she clutches her phone. “You’re probably right.”

I don’t like that the feeling of dread is beginning to spread inside me. To infect all the parts of me.

I stand, ready to go to Faye as Mabel sets up the game for another play.

The doorbell rings.

I tense, but Faye’s shoulders drop as she looses a little giggle of relief. “He probably forgot his key.”

I follow her to the door, my throat so tight I feel like I’m being strangled by dread.

Two police officers stand, looking grave. A slither of cold feathers over my flesh and the strangled sound that leaves Faye is almost enough to make me hit my knees.

I place my hands on her hips. I’m not sure if I’m trying to hold her or myself up. Somehow, we both stay standing.

“What can we do for you?” I ask. The words sound rough.

“Mr. and Mrs. Wilder?”

“Yes?” There’s panic and question in Faye’s word.

One of the officers looks to his boots. The other holds Faye’s eyes. “There’s been a car accident. We found your son’s identification in his backpack. He’s been transported by air to City Peak Hospital in Calgary.”

“Oh my God…” I do catch her as she crumbles. Even still, there’s a shrill ringing in my ears.

Everything that happens next is a blur.

33

ANYTHING

JUNE 2023 – PRESENT DAY