Page 93 of Broken
“Dylan. You can sit with me.”
Ethan peered up at Prescott.
“You can sit with Dylan, and I’ll sit in the chair right there.” Prescott pointed to an adult chair nearby.
Prescott’s breathed a little easier as Ethan sat beside Dylan, and the teachers took their seats. They didn’t just read the story, they acted it out, which made the kids laugh.
Prescott’s attention was anchored on Ethan. He turned twice to make sure Prescott hadn’t left.
When the story ended, Miss Nancy announced outside play. Ethan bolted over. “Can I play?”
“Absolutely, Prescott replied. “I’ll be right in the next building.”
“Can you come with me?” Ethan asked.
“Of course.”
Once outside, he watched as Ethan started to interact with the other children. He had to give props to the instructors who introduced Ethan to a handful of students. Within ten minutes, Ethan was running and laughing.
Knotted muscles running along Prescott’s shoulders released a little.
When playtime ended, Ethan came running back over. “Can I stay for lunch?”
Prescott smiled. “I even packed a lunch for you.”
They went inside and Miss Nancy helped get Ethan situated with his cubby. When finished, Prescott said goodbye to him.
Ethan slipped his small hand into Prescott’s. “You have to come back.”
Prescott picked Ethan up. “I promise I will come back when school is over for the day and we’ll go home together.”
Ethan threw his arms around Prescott and hugged him, and Prescott’s heart grew in his chest.
“Bye.”
“I’ll see you later, Ethan.”
After Prescott set him down, Ethan walked with his new teacher to his table. As Prescott was heading through the lobby, Miss Nancy came rushing out.
“I didn’t want to say anything in front of Ethan, but I read the form you sent over. That helps us a lot. I’m sorry about your loss… and for Ethan’s.”
“Thank you.”
“I noticed Ethan has a lunch. Did you bring any diapers?”
“I brought a few but left them in my office. He can pee in the toilet, but he likes to poop in his diaper. I’ll bring a box tomorrow.”
“No worries. We’ve got extra. We’re all great at helping to potty train the kids.”
“Good luck with that,” he said, and she laughed.
“If you want to check on him, we’ve got cameras everywhere, except the adult restrooms. Just download the app, then use your work email address to create an account.”
He thanked her and left.
Prescott wasn’t sure if he felt free or guilty for leaving him. But he knew Ethan needed to be with other children. And he needed to work.
Back in his building, he rode the elevator to the top floor and stopped in the break room for coffee. His uncle was standing by the window, his cell phone pressed to his ear. He was talking quietly, but Prescott caught, “I can’t wait to see you.”
