Slowing to a crawl as the weather worsens, I realize I have been at this for a solid two hours. I didn't realize I had lost so much time on what is normally a very quick trip. I'm close now. I have finally turned off the interstate and found my way to the country road I'm destined for.
Picking up my speed slightly, I know I'll be there soon, and my heart picks up it's pace right along side my SUV. I have fought off the nervousness since leaving home but now, now it's wracking my body. I shake and shiver, not from the cold, but from the fear that we won't make it back in time.
As their home comes into view, I'm more than anxious to get him and get back home. I pull into the drive, noticing everyone else has taken my advice and left. While I am glad they listened, my heart also breaks knowing my child is left all alone.
As soon as I cut my SUV off, I Sprint from the car to the house. Slamming through the door, I come face to face with an empty room. Trying not to panic, I run through the house to the room he stays in when visiting.
As I enter the room, he shoots straight up in bed, wrapped in blankets, and utterly confused.
"Mom?"
"Get up!", I order him, the confusion slowly fading from his eyes. "Did you really think I wouldn't come? That I would allow you to make such a stupid choice?"
"Mom, I already told Grandma, I'm staying. We both know it will probably blow through and everyone will feel stupid for panicking over something so small. I'll be fine. Go back home." With that being said, he laid back down pretending to be tired.
I take a minute in my anger to think through my next response carefully. If I just argue with him, it will turn into a never ending argument over why/why not. So I come up with a new plan. I'll let him decide that it's best to go back, or at least he will think it's his decision.
"Ok", I tell, and proceed to climb on the bed to sit next to him.
I can see the confusion return, that's what I was hoping for. I just sit silently staring at him. He has to be the one to respond. So with the patience I didn't know I had, I laid down and pulled the blankets up over me and get comfortable. This shouldn't take long.
"What are you doing?"
"Well, you're probably right. It's probably nothing. So instead of fighting the frigid temperatures and skidding around the roads, I'll stick it out here. Besides, two of us will generate more body heat anyway."
"Whoa, hold up, you are NOT staying here. Go back home with dad and go to the shelter. You'll be more comfortable there."
"You mean safe don't you? Bc I'm perfectly comfortable here with you. Why would I stress about getting back. It's nothing remember?"
"Ok, and what if it gets too cold for you? Or what if...what if I'm wrong?", he whispers the last part.
That is exactly what I hoped he would say.
"And if you are wrong Dean, then that's more the reason for me to stay. I won't let any of you boys face such a tragedy alone. If you stay, I stay. We go together."
He sits quietly for what seems like forever, but in fact can only be a minute or so. Just when I am about to give up hope on his changing his mind, he darts off the bed pulling his shoes on and snatching his jacket.
"Get in the car, NOW!", he tells me in the most stern voice he can muster, and turns to head angrily through the house.
Hiding the smile that is fighting it's way onto my face, I stand up and follow suit, heading for the SUV where my son, now angry and flustered over my child like defiance, is waiting for me to take him home.
Buckling up and cranking the vehicle, I toss him a blanket to cover with. It's already worse. Mere seconds of being outside and he is shaking uncontrollably. I know it's getting close. Too close. I have to get us to safety, and fast.