Runaway

Connie walked from room to room driven by her growing anxiety. Each room had her décor, her taste.

No sign of life. Does anyone else live here?

Her eight-year-old son always came straight home from school. What’s going on? Where’s Jason? Should be home by now.

She picked up clothes her husband left by his dresser and shoved them into the hamper.

Harold’s working late, again. And of course, he’ll unwind with the boys at the Nightcap afterward.

In the kitchen, Connie poured herself a glass of water. They’ll want dinner. Hate cooking, only to eat alone.

Connie stared out the front room window. Jason knows better… He should call…

Her phone lay on the side table. She called him, but Jason’s phone went to voicemail.

“Jase. Mom here. Where are you? I’m worried. Please call me. Love you…”

Connie hit speed dial for Jason’s friend, Billy. No answer. She went through the roster of his friends. Finally, someone answered. The TV and other background commotion blaring through the phone was almost painful.

“Crenshaws… Yes?”

“Hi, Millie. Connie Rogers, here. Jason’s mother…?”

“Yes?”

“Sorry to bother you, but is Jason there with Charlie? He’s not home yet.”

“Nope. Haven’t seen him. Gotta go…”

“Okay. If you do see…”

The dial tone stopped her.

So empty. Is this how it will be?

Connie threw her hands up. “Enough!”

She grabbed her purse and left by the side door. The dog leash, hanging from the hat rack caught her eye.

Later…

She locked up and stepped into the waning light. She walked to the end of their driveway and looked down the street.

This is too much… Where does a boy go?

Connie backed her car out and drove toward Jason’s school, five blocks away. She circled the campus and scanned the playground. She took a different route back home.

Too soon to call the police…

It was dinner time. The streets were empty. No kids were evident. She drove to the park and pulled into the empty lot.

Beyond the playground, lush Sycamores lined the bank of a shallow stream. The tree tops shone in the last light before sunset. Jason plays there sometimes. She walked toward the water.

Suppressing her growing panic, Connie looked for signs of her son as she made her way along the gloomy shore. Wrong shoes…

Empty liquor bottles and cigarette butts stood out amidst dead leaves and tree roots.

“What…!”

She saw it. His backpack lay at the foot of a tree. Frantic, she looked about. Where…?

“Jason!”

A distant train horn sounded. Connie fought back tears. She looked into the sky. Fading wispy clouds shone. Crickets began trilling.

A dark form huddled between two limbs stretching over the water. Connie called. “Jason! Jason Rogers! Come down here. Right now!”

The form moved. It was Jason.

“Mom?”

“Yes. Come down. Now… Be careful! Don’t fall.”

I want to reserve the option of killing you myself…

He said, “I didn’t want anyone to find me.”

“I found you.”

“You always do.”

“That bother you?”

“No. Not mostly.”

The boy crept down the mottled tree trunk and jumped the last few feet.

Connie ran and embraced him. She bit her lip to keep from sobbing. Then, grabbing his shoulders, held him at arm’s length.

“What do you think you’re doing? I was worried.”

Jason pulled away and grabbed his backpack.

“Don’t be a bitch.”

“What did you say?”

“Nothing.”

“I heard you. Don’t call me that. Never.”

“Dad does.”

“He shouldn’t. You’re my son. Show me some respect.”

Jason mumbled something.

Connie said, “What?”

“I said I’m sorry.”

“You should be. What were you thinking?”

Jason stared at the ground.

She touched his shoulder. “Come. Sit with me.”

They moved to an exposed root and settled after a brief jostling. Jason giggled at competing for room. It felt like an old game. She tousled his hair. He smiled up at her and then looked away.

Connie said, “Is this about Barkster?”

Jason remained silent. He nodded.

“I’m sorry, Jase.”

It sounded like a wail. “But why?”

She looked up. “I wish I knew. Don’t know what your father is thinking, half the time.”

“He had no right… He was my dog. Mine!”

“I know…”

“Not fair! Didn’t say anything. No warning… nothing…”

“I’ll talk to him.”

“Just gave him away? What did I do? Am I getting punished?”

“You haven’t done anything wrong, Jase. Nothing … I don’t understand either.”

Connie looked up. Faint stars glimmered beyond the Sycamore leaves.

She said, “I just had a thought. Doubt you’ll understand. Someday, maybe… Men sometimes confuse protecting with controlling.”

Jason looked at her. His face seemed to glow in the night. After a few moments, he nodded.

They sat together without speaking. The crickets shimmered in waves.

Connie nudged Jason. “So, what now?”

“I dunno. Guess I’m grounded?”

“You want that?”

“No.”

“Were you running away?”

She didn’t rush him. Jason didn’t answer for what felt a long time. A nightjar called.

“I guess…”

“Did you have a plan? Where were you going?”

“I don’t know… Away…”

“I was worried. No note. Your phone went to voicemail… You can’t sleep in a tree, Jase.”

“I want... to belong to… a family.”

“I’m your family… Always…”

“I know…”

“You hungry?”

“Uh huh… We should go away…”

“Where?”

“The beach is fun. Everyone gets along.”

Connie felt a chill. “We should go. Can talk while we eat. Grab your stuff.”

Jason stood and slung his backpack over one shoulder. “Mom… Let’s make a deal. You and me.”

“Yeah? What?”

“Whatever happens… neither of us… ever gives up…”

Connie blinked back tears. “Deal.”

They high-fived. She pointed toward the car. They walked together over the uneven ground. She caught herself.

Taking her hand, Jason steadied his mom. “Careful you don’t trip…”

Connie opened Jason’s door and put his pack in the back seat. She started the car and pulled out of the lot.

Jason touched his mother’s arm. “Mom… Home’s that way.” He pointed.

“Who said we’re going home?”

Jason’s eyes got wide and he settled back for the ride. He gazed out the window to hide his grin.

Connie drove. They didn’t talk. Neither thought of turning the radio on. After what felt a long time, Connie turned off the highway into a truck stop.

She said, “We need to eat.”

They went into the café. The waitress pointed them to a booth. Jason ran ahead and slid onto the red vinyl cushion. He bounced on the seat.

They ordered hamburgers and cokes. Connie smiled at this new adventure. Placing his hands on the table, Jason gave his mother as serious a look as he could muster.

She returned his gaze. “Yes?”

“Mom… Are we ever going home?”

Connie tilted her head and looked up. “We’ll see. Maybe home will find us.”