I take off at a jog. As I get closer, I spot Link taking photos on his phone from the side, a soft grin on his face.
At the sound of my footsteps, he turns. "Hey there," he looks past me. "Where did he go?"
I shake my head and frown, clutching the list to my chest.
"There's been an issue. He's run off. I have to find him! I need your help,” I reply breathlessly.
Link's phone shifts from camera to caller mode in a flash. He has it to his ear, and he's muttering out instructions to someone.
Marian must pick up on the tension because he tells the children, "Santa will be right back," and he shuffles over to us. "What's going on?"
I shake my head and whisper, “Eddie ran away. He thinks…” I take a deep breath. “He thinks that I don't want to be around him at all. That I came here to get away from him.”
Marian winces. “That sort of is what you did, though, isn't it?"
I throw my hands up.
"Not really. I'm in love with my best friend and thought I couldn't have him."
Marian tilts his head, "Thought or think? Two very different words.”
"Thought," I reply instantly.
Marian smiles as he points to his husband. “That man right there will have him found in no time. Trust me, he's got everyone in town on that thing. All he has to do is give a short description, and we’ll have your boy back soon.”
I nod at his word choice because whether or not they know it, that's exactly who Eddie is. He's my boy.
Mine.
Marian moves back to the children who are getting restless just as Link hangs up his phone and comes toward me with a frown.
“Well, we found him already. He went straight to the toy store. Mr. Bramble was about to close and saw the crying young man walking up. He decided to stay open and wait for someone to come look for him. He also called around asking if anyone had lost someone and by way of me calling another person…” He waved his hand around. "You get my point. This whole phone game has worked out in our favor. Let's go."
He throws the hand over his shoulder indicating I should follow him. I do as he says, the two of us weaving through people, dodging greetings left and right. If nothing else, this town is the friendliest place I think I've ever been.
It's amazing, honestly. Eddie would love it here.
No, hewilllove it here.
I vow to myself to make him feel better, to explain myself fully so that he can enjoy this holiday as well.
With the space in my cabin, there's no reason he should go back home alone. I'm not even sure what I was thinking. He has no one else to spend the holidays with. I left him all alone simply because I was being selfish and an idiot.
I won't make the same mistake again.
The second we reach the street with the toy store, I see the lit-up window amongst the dark shops.
“I got it from here. Thank you.” I clap my hand on Link’s shoulder.
He shakes his head. "It's no problem at all. If you need anything else, let us know. I will text Mr. Bramble to leave the keys with you and tell you the secret spot so long as you promise not to steal any toys later."
I give a soft chuckle.
“I have no need to steal anything, my friend. I could buy out that entire toy store and not even blink.”
Link nods. “Then maybe drop a few bills on the man and get your boy something nice.”
With a wink, he goes back to the crowd as I stride to the door. A bell jingles when I open it. An older gentleman with spectacles leaning on the tip of his nose turns my way.
