Page 132 of Chaos has a Name
“If anything, EJ, I’ve learned not to live in the past. I like living in the future. It’s so much brighter here.”
That.
It.
Was.
Moving toward the back of the community center, that’s where the daycare was. Peeking in, there were twenty or so little kids playing, napping, and having snacks.
Seeing this…
It made Ethan feel so much joy.
For the first time being back here, there wasn’t pain or anger.
There was a sense of peace.
“They’re so happy,” he admitted, watching a few younger kids play with a ball. When it rolled their way, Ethan picked it up, and tossed it back to the little kid who was chasing it.
He waved him into the space, and the childcare workers waved in welcome.
They were all members of the reservation. Now, they were gainfully employed and making enough money to support their families.
That mattered too.
Seeing that they could come in, the kids tossed them the ball, and Callen and Ethan helped them play. They were trying to get it into the hoop.
When a little boy caught it, Callen picked him up and held him up over his head so he could get it into the hoop and score.
They all cheered.
Together, they played a little longer. When the caretakers called for snacks, the boys took off. That was on par with boys.
Heading out, Ethan was quiet.
“What are you thinking?” Callen asked him.
“Is there more space here? Maybe over by the computer lab?” he asked.
Callen nodded.
“Yeah, there’s another space. What are you thinking?” he asked.
Ethan shared what was in his heart.
“You know how Chris gifted Gene and me that company?”
He nodded.
“I want to give back.”
Oh, he wasn’t surprised that was what the two men would do with the company. Elizabeth did the same thing with the gift Chris had given her.
“What do you want to do?” he asked, as they headed over to that space.
When Ethan saw it, he knew what he wanted it to be. There was no doubt in his heart and mind that there was something missing.
Not only here on the rez, but also in his life.
