He scoffs, dragging himself to his feet. My hand curls into fists as I take a step, and my father flinches, stumbling back. “I’m going.”
He staggers across the verge to where his car is parked on the drive, fumbling with the keys. I watch as he pulls out, staying until he’s out of sight before digging out my phone.
The message from Oscar in our group chat sits at the top.
Theo, where are you? Everything okay?
I’m already getting back in the truck.
Taking out the trash. See you soon.
Day 246 – Max
“Max.”
“Yeah?” I pause from where I’m stripping off my kit from the last trail. Jim, the owner of the hiking company I work for, taps his fingers on the counter, scrutinizing me.
“You good?” he asks finally.
My brows knot. “Sure. I just finished off with the last group. Today was a good day for it.”
Bright, spring sunshine and cool air. In a few months it’ll change to the sweltering summer heat, bringing a whole new raft of issues for us to deal with on the trails.
“Good.” He pauses. “How’s your mate doing? Kennedy, right?”
I eye him as I turn, pulling out the first aid kit and unzipping it to check for gaps. “She’s… okay. Why do you ask?”
Jim’s a decent boss. Decent enough that I shared Kennedy’s situation with him, the bare bones of it at least. I had to, back when I was distracted enough that I took a group out and nearly got lost in the forest I’ve known my whole life.
“Good.” His head bobs again awkwardly as I eye him. “I heard from your Dad yesterday.”
“Oh.” So that’s what this is. “Yeah, I heard from them too.”
A brief e-mail, a few photographs. “They’re settling in Tanzania for now. Just hiked Kilimanjaro.”
Sighing, I fold my bag over, stashing it in the cubby. “I’m fine, Jim, if that’s what you’re asking.”
When you have parents who vanish for days, weeks, months at a time, you learn not to rely on them. I spent more time in Jake’s house or exploring the forest as a child than I ever did in my own home.
“I know.” Jim doesn’t look at me, picking up the leaflet stand and readjusting it. “You’ve got a good pack. But I’m around, if you need anything.”
Despite myself, I feel a small grin spread. “You worryin’ about me, Jim? That’s cute. I feel like this is a good bonding moment.”
AJim’s Trail Hikesmetal pen smacks me in the middle of my forehead. “Yeah, yeah. Laugh all you want, but the offer’s there. Get out of here. Go see your Kennedy.”
Music to my ears.
“Thanks, Jimmy.” I slap his shoulder on my way past. “I mean it.”
“Welcome,” he says gruffly.
“Maybe we should hug it out—,”
“Don’t push it, kid.”
***
I spot Abrams first. Checking my watch, I note the time. A little after five. “You’re not normally here this late.”
