~~~
Earlier that morning Rick had snapped open his eyes, sat up and looked at his watch.
‘Oh Jeez,’ he had exclaimed. ‘Seven thirty!’
He was angry with himself for not being able to keep his vigil. His neck was aching from sleeping in a sitting position.
Then he saw that the note was no longer on his lap. He searched the crumpled bedding. He knelt and peered under the bed. He circled the room, checking everywhere, rubbing his neck. Then he walked to the bedroom door to see if it was still locked. It was. The safety chain was firmly in place.
Suddenly Rick stood still. An intense feeling of tender love and forgiveness seemed to encircle him.
He screwed up his face as the hot tears splashed onto his cheeks.