Ch.5

Haruhi crouched down to smooth the fly-aways of Maia's hair. She'd volunteered as a stage mom for her daughter's show. It was kind of cute, all the kindergartners running around the holding area in their freshly pressed choir robes. There were a few boys in the corner refusing to put theirs on until the very last second because they "looked like dresses". Maia was practicing her solo with the teacher. Haruhi couldn't help but smile. At that age, Haruhi had been the shiest little thing. She barely spoke. Maia was the total opposite of that. She had confidence.

Haruhi glanced at her watch. The show would be starting soon. It was 5:56. She felt it in her heart that Kyoya was there. After the show, Maia would run up to him with open arms, take the flowers he'd offer her, and be lifted into the air in a giant hug. That's all Haruhi wanted for Maia, for her to feel loved. The stage manager poked her head in the door and the stage moms began wrangling children to lead them to the stage. Maia turned around from the front of the line to look at Haruhi, beaming. That child was really something.

After the performance ended, they raced to the lobby to meet Kyoya, but he was nowhere to be found. They waited an extra half hour until nearly everyone else was gone, but there was still no Kyoya. He wasn't there and he hadn't seen the performance either. Maia had fallen asleep on a bench against the wall. Haruhi angrily yanked her phone from her purse and dialed Kyoya's number. There was no answer, not even a ring. The line went to voicemail before the first ring. Haruhi picked up the still sleeping Maia and took her home, tucking her into bed. Haruhi waited at the kitchen table for Kyoya, but he didn't come home.

She woke at dawn still in the clothes she was wearing the day before. A small puddle of drool had formed where her head was resting. She was confused as to why she was sleeping at the table when she remembered Kyoya. She bolted upright and raced to their shared bedroom. She flung open the door. The bed was perfectly made still. No one had slept in it. Kyoya didn't come home. Haruhi suddenly felt very hot. Sweat began to bead on her forehead. Her heart was racing. She swallowed hard. Kyoya may have been late in the past, but he always came home before dawn. Her hands shook as she picked up the house phone off the nightstand. She could barely dial the number to his workplace.

It rang twice before a young woman answered.

Her voice was quiet yet solid," Ootori Medical, this is Lana speaking, how may I help you?"

"Y..yes, this is Haruhi Ootori. I'm looking for my husband. He didn't come home last night."

The line buzzed as she was put on hold.

"I'm sorry Ms. Ootori, I have not seen your husband. I left at 3 yesterday and my shift started at 7 this morning. I tried calling his office and the lab. If I see him, I will give you a call. Is this number a good one for you?"

"Actually, my cell phone would be better. It should be on file."

"Ah ha, I found it. Have a wonderful day ma'am."

"yeah..."

The line went dead as Maia called for Kyoya from the next room.