David said goodbye to his friends as basketball practice ended. He enjoyed many of his father's pastimes, such as reading and classical music. But, to him, there was nothing quite like watching a ball go into the net to score a game-winning basket. Still on a high from a successful practice, David scanned the parking lot, looking for his mom's car. She wasn't waiting for him as usual.
Once he realized this, David quickly took out his cellphone. Within seconds, he'd typed out a text to his mother. Practice is over. I need a ride home! He hoped she'd see the message and come as soon as possible. He had homework to do. But minutes passed, with no car pulling up, and no response to his text. He checked his phone, making sure the message had gone through. It had. He sighed in frustration. He thought about texting his father, but quickly decided against it. David had heard many times before about how his dad didn't like to be disturbed when he was with a patient. Grandpa, he thought, suddenly smiling. He used speed dial to call the familiar number. But instead of his grandfather or Ronee answering, a machine picked up instead. Only then did David recall that they had gone on a camping trip this week. Great, he thought. He checked his watch, knowing he had to get home soon. It would be a long shot, but maybe he could try Roz. Alice had had her license for several months now. He dialed yet again. But when he heard another answering machine, he knew they must be out, too. In desperation, he texted his mom one more time. I need a ride home!
Daphne was grateful to return to the Montana after her trip to the grocery store. She had no idea how three people could consume so much food. But having a growing boy in the house probably played a large role. Her own brothers ate enough to feed several third-world countries.
Niles kissed his wife as soon as she came through the door. Even after all this time, he was often amazed that she was here, that they were really married. It was simply nothing short of a miracle.
"Where's David?" Daphne asked as the kiss ended.
Niles shrugged. "I don't know. I haven't seen him since he left for school. Maybe he decided to go to a friend's house after school."
"He knows he has to tell us where he's going!" That was the whole reason she and Niles had gotten their son a phone. Luckily, David was a mostly-responsible kid.
"Check your phone," Niles suggested. "Maybe he did tell you."
Daphne picked up her purse, rummaging around for her phone. She was never able to find it when she needed it; a constant source of frustration. Finally, she discovered it buried underneath a dozen receipts. It was off, though she could've sworn she'd turned it on when she left the house. It took a moment for the phone to boot up. But when it did, an icon popped up, telling her she had an unread text message. "Bloody hell," she whispered when she saw the messages. "I forgot David had basketball practice today! He's waiting for me to pick him up. I did this once to your father. He nearly tore me head off! Now I've done it to me own flesh and blood!"
Niles gave her a quick kiss, squeezing her free hand. "My love, calm down. Dad may have gotten angry, but I'm sure David won't. You work so hard, keeping this place running, and keeping an eye on Dad. You're bound to miss something sometime."
"I love you," Daphne said, sighing. "I'd better go and get him. I can't believe I forgot about this!"
Niles watched her leave, wishing with all his heart that Daphne wouldn't be so hard on herself.