Page 70 of The Single Dad's Guide to Recreation

“I heard about Mabel Harmon going missing. And that you helped find her.”

“It was no big deal. Josh—um, they—the Harmons were very worried, of course. But it was pretty easy for me to find her.”

My mom blows out a breath. Even without looking at her I can tell it’s an irritated one. “Avery Catherine Mills. I wish you’d tell me what’s wrong.”

“Nothing’s wro—” A sob fills my throat, cutting off my words and making me a liar.

She rubs a hand up and down my back. “Whatever it is, it’ll be okay.”

“I don’t think that’s possible.”

“Just get it off your chest. You’ll feel better.”

“Fine,” I say, turning to face her. There’s no way I’m getting into what is or isn’t happening with Josh and me, but there is one thing I can’t put off any longer. “It’s Playgroup. Only three families are signed up for the next session. With the restructuring that’s happening, it’s probably going to get cut.”

My mom doesn’t say anything, and I suddenly feel terrible. “I’m sorry, Mama. I did everything I could to save it.”

She squeezes my arm. “I’m not upset, sweetheart.”

“You’re not?”

“I knew it wouldn’t last forever. It’s obvious that people need different things these days. Your siblings wouldn’t be able to take part in a program like Playgroup, since everyone works.”

My siblings who, unlike me, are capable of producing grandchildren. Shoving that bitterness aside, I face my mom again. “I really hoped, with more people working remotely, that we’d get more interest.”

She pats my shoulder. “People are busy. Hopefully, they’re finding community in other ways.”

Feeling slightly better, I manage to eat about half of the lasagna before telling my mom that I need to get to bed. We work together tidying up the kitchen, and then she gives me a hug. “I love you, Avery.”

“Love you too, Mama.”

Just lugging my suitcase up the two flights to my room is exhausting but I make myself unpack, knowing I’ll appreciate it in the morning. But when I realize that I must’ve left one of my favorite Vans at the retreat center, I just crumple onto the bed and hug the remaining lime green sneaker to my chest, letting out the few tears left in my ducts. Crying gets me all sweaty and as I’m wrestling out of my clothes, my hand pokes through a hole in the sleeve of my fleece. Staring at it, I realize I must’ve ripped it either climbing up or down the tree. At least Mabel’s home, I remind myself, safe and warm in her room instead of alone, frightened, and cold in the woods.

When I dig my phone out of my bag to put it on the charger, there are texts and missed calls from Josh, but I can’t face him right now. Anyway, I got the message. The weekend was a mistake. What else is there to say?

There’re also a few messages from my siblings.

Carol

Back in Syracuse.

And I’m exhausted.

Brad

Too much Climax for ya?

Carol

You could say that.

Mom and Dad are a lot.

I don’t know how you do it Avery.

My heart pounding, Daisy’s words echoing in my ears, I begin to type.

Me

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