Ian
I’m nearly at the end of a long run along the Grand Canal when my phone starts vibrating on my arm band, forcing me to stop and turn off the music.
“Ian?”
“Mum?” I say, huffing. “Everything okay?”
“Your dad has gone out.”
“Okay.”
“We had just come back from the supermarket and while I was putting things away in the fridge, he must have walked off without saying anything.”
“Stay calm, Mum. Maybe he just went for a walk down the road.” I turn around and start off towards home, ready to jump on my motorbike and race to their house.
“He’s never done anything like this before,” her voice creeps up.
“I’ll be right there. I just need to go home and get my bike. Have you spoken to the neighbours? Have you asked around at all?”
“I’ll do that now.”
“Good.”
“Ian?”
“Yes?”
“I’m scared.”
“I’m on my way.”
Back at my apartment, I grab the keys and force Ryan off the sofa.
“What the hell…?”
“Dad is missing! Mum’s in a panic. Get up, for God’s sake!”
Ryan grabs his jacket and slips on his shoes quickly, following me outside.
* * *
As we pullup to my parents’ house, we find Mum sitting on the front step. As soon as she sees the car, she jumps up and her hands fly to her mouth.
“Ryan…I can’t believe it…when…”
“I’m sorry it took so long, Mum.” I hear him say as I go towards them.
“We’re here. Any news?”
She slowly looks away from Ryan and shakes her head no.
“I’ll take a drive around the neighbourhood. You go inside and stay calm. I’m sure he’ll come back on his own.”
“I’ll stay with her,” Ryan adds.
I nod in agreement: Mum is upset, Ryan being there can only comfort her. I’m confident that Dad’s somewhere close by, probably confused, or maybe he can’t find the way back.
I decide to go on foot, so I can stop and check out any places he may have gone to. I pass the bakery on the corner and ask if they’ve seen him but they haven’t. Same thing at the dry cleaners, pub and supermarket. Nothing.
