A little while later, against David's protests, Niles turned off the DVD player and returned the DVD to its box, promising that they would watch it again. His son in tow, Niles hurried upstairs and put David in his room. "Get your things together, okay? We're going on a little trip-for the night. Just pack the things that Mommy usually packs for you."
"Are we going to see Mommy?" David cried excitedly.
"Yes… We're going to see Mommy." Niles said. "She's at Aunt Roz's house so hurry and get your things. Daddy will be in to help you in a minute. I have to make another phone call."
While David was in his room, Niles retreated to the master bedroom to pack his own belongings. And then he picked up the phone, dialing the number he knew by heart.
As he expected, he got an earful of shouting and ridicule from the voice on the other end as he explained his plight, but he knew that he fully deserved every hurtful word.
He thanked the voice profusely for the favor he had asked for, and then with his overnight bag in hand, returned to David's bedroom. His heart warmed at the sight of his young son holding his Snoopy duffel bag in one hand, the clothes and toys overflowing from the open zipper, and his stuffed panda in another.
"I want to see Mommy!" David shouted.
"That's exactly where we're headed." Niles said, eagerly leading David down the staircase. In no time at all, he'd secured David in the car and they headed to Roz's place.
On the way there, David slept peacefully and Niles found that he envied his son. It must be nice to be so young, without a care in the world or the fear of hurting the ones you love. And he prayed that David would never make a horrible mistake like the one that Niles had made.
But as they came closer and closer to the Marina View Apartments, Niles found his nervousness increasing. He was taking a big risk, coming here like this, but the alternative was unthinkable. A million scenes ran through his head as he imagined what could transpire once he arrived. But he knew that the reality would be far different.
And that's what scared him the most.