The concert began with the kindergarteners, their sweet voices barely audible over the hum of the crowd. When their performance ended, the first graders were called up, and I leaned forward in my seat, scanning the line of kids until I spotted James.
“There he is,” I whispered to Will, pointing toward the stage.
James looked confident as he walked to his spot, his gelled hair perfectly in place and his little bow tie straight. When the music started, I couldn’t help but smile. He was singing his heart out, his voice louder than most of the kids around him.
“He’s a natural,” Will whispered, leaning closer to me.
“He always brings energy,” I said, beaming.
James gave a quick wave toward our section at the end of the song, and I waved back, my heart swelling with pride.
After the first-graders took their bows and walked off the stage, the second graders followed, and then it was finally Bebe, Ivy and Charlie’s turn. By this point, the room was filled with applause and anticipation.
The girls beamed as they took their places, scanning the audience until they spotted us. Bebe waved excitedly, and I couldn’t help but wave back.
“They look great up there,” Will said quietly, his voice warm.
“They are adorable,” I said, smiling.
The class launched into their rendition of “Jingle Bell Rock,” complete with a few adorable missteps that had the crowd chuckling. It was impossible not to feel the joy in the room, though I couldn’t help but glance over at Madison every so often. Her body language screamed irritation, and she hadn’t clapped once.
A few minutes later, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed her lean over and whisper something to Kelly. Madison stood, adjusting her dress, and walked down the aisle toward the back of the gym. I assumed she was going to the bathroom, but when the next group, fourth grade, finished their song, she still wasn’t back.
By the time the fifth graders took the stage, her seat was still empty.
I leaned closer to Will, keeping my voice low. “Do you think Madison left?”
He frowned, shaking his head. “No, she wouldn’t do that.”
“She’s been gone for a while,” I said.
Will sighed and pulled his phone out of his pocket. I watched as he quickly typed out a text, his expression tight.
Will: Where’s Madison?
He stared at his phone, waiting for a response. A minute later, his screen lit up with Kelly’s reply.
Kelly: I thought she was with you. She said she was going to sit by you after the bathroom.
Will’s jaw clenched, his hand gripping his phone tightly.
“If she’s not sitting with me and hasn’t come back yet,” he muttered under his breath, “I wonder if she left.”
“What do you want to do?” I asked, feeling the tension rising.
He exhaled sharply, standing abruptly. “I’m going to find her.”
“Do you want me to come with you?”
“No,” he said, shaking his head. “Stay here for the kids. I’ll handle it.”
I stayed in my seat, my stomach twisting as he walked briskly toward the exit.
The rest of the show continued, but I struggled to pay attention, clapping absently for each performance while my thoughts remained on Will and Madison.
Camille leaned over, her brow furrowed. “Everything okay?”
“Will went to check on Madison,” I said quietly, not wanting to draw too much attention.
