(A/N This is very short. Just checking in with our favs at the end of the TLT to see where they stand as the summer progresses. I will be time skipping to SoM after this.
I've noticed a common pattern in my writing is that I will information dump in the first few chapters and then most of them average about 1000 words, even when I'm quoting and summing up.
Well, enjoy! And when you see them again they'll be another year older.)
"I'll be home before you know it, Dad."
"Do not take this lightly Percy. I thought you'd died."
"But I didn't. And I'm learning. And I know you hate that, but this feels right."
"Like our history lessons never did."
"Yeah! It just- It makes sense now!"
"I'm glad you found your place, Percy. I just… I just wish it weren't away from me. You're not even 13 yet. I wasn't ready to give you up."
"Just summers, Dad. I promise. And you're not getting rid of me that easy. I'll be sure to come home while you're out at least three times every summer to eat everything in the pantry and put blue sticky notes all over your office."
"It's unfair that I can't retaliate at your cabin… I'll need to recruit some help."
"Can't mix. Sorry."
They grinned at each other, a mix between teasing and sad. They were in separate worlds-worlds that should not overlap. But they were still family, and that wasn't about to change.
.
The museum. Sadie wanted to hate it. It was stuffy and boring and barely changed. Ever! Her friends had no interest in it, so if she went she would be alone. Her grandparents would rather forbid her from going than accompany her.
There was no reason to like the museum.
Even less reason to like the Egyptian section.
But that's where she was.
Again.
It was easy enough to imagine her dad talking animatedly about each of the exhibits. Every note card she read she pictured his voice as she skimmed the words. Looking at the larger pieces her mind's eye would see Carter's wide eyes as he gestured at the arrangements and called them cool; she'd scoff and roll her eyes.
After three circuits around the room she accepted it was time to go.
She didn't acknowledge the tears sliding down her face as she descended the steps.
.
Back on the road. Back in the suitcase. Back to the independent studies.
No Sadie. No Percy. No Amos.
Carter loved his dad! And he really appreciated the time they had together! But he missed having a sense of home. He barely remembered that concept.
He took the time to write another letter, this one to Percy. He was only ten, but maybe they could hang out some time and avoid the awkward unspoken rule that Dad and Amos don't meet.
He finally understood why they broke that rule when he'd seen Percy's picture on the news. It could have been someone else, the security feed was fuzzy at best, but he couldn't imagine it being a coincidence that they'd visited Brooklyn and not seen Percy at the same time this kid was on the news.
Being falsely accused of terrorist attacks fit Percy's MO anyway. He was always labeled troublemaker on sight.
His dad assured him Percy was alright, but he still wanted to reach out.