"Dinner will be ready in an hour" Lily announced from the kitchen. She stepped out and glanced worriedly at Ted. He was still fumbling with his phone and she knew why.
She gently touched his shoulder. "We can't force him Ted"
Ted only shook his head. "No Lil, I have to find him" he said. She nodded with a little relief.
"We'll be waiting"
"If it'll help, tell him I promise to skip Slapsgiving this year, I can hold off on my two remaining slaps" Marshall piped in.
Ted chuckled at his friend and nodded. He then slipped on his jacket and hurried off.
He got Ranjit to drive him. It took the hour he had but he did locate his best friend. He then ignored his cell phone as he walked over to the blonde sitting in the park.
"You okay?" Ted asked. Barney turned to him with a sad look and then turned his attention back on two young boys.
"James and I went to this park once as kids. James could get every kid in the park to play tag. He was always the cool one" Barney said.
"Barney…"
"I know Ted…I know being here alone won't bring him back…I just didn't want to burden you all" Barney replied cutting him off.
Ted just chuckled. "Come on pal…were your best friends, you're allowed to burden us" he replied.
"You all really want me there?" Barney asked. Ted nodded. "Yeah…I won't make the mistake leaving you out again Barney" he answered.
Barney nodded. "Okay…I'll come" he surrendered. Ted smiled and placed his arm around his friend. He led him home.