Must have been something in the air because I had an additional emergency surgery on Tuesday and Wednesday as well. By Wednesday evening I was cursing having to get up early Thursday and drive to Rochester for the Board of Directors' (BOD) meeting. Then I smiled when I thought of seeing Kynlee two days earlier than usual, and it was all worth it. As I stroked Sammy's fur upon coming in the door, I got an idea. "Whatcha think Sam, should we drive to Rochester tonight and surprise Lee?"
As if she understood, Sammy rubbed on my legs and answered, "rooowww."
"I agree. It was a good idea wasn't it? Okay, let's feed you while I go pack a bag." I moved into the kitchen and gave Sammy fresh water and food to consume while I prepared for the weekend. I shot off a quick group text to Wanda and Mona.
Wam: Hey dear sisters! How are you and my nephew doing?
Mona: Wanda is napping from the medicine she took for the pain. She has still been quite uncomfortable. We are encouraging ice and ibuprofen regularly to try to stay ahead of the pain.
Wam: Thank you so much for helping them out Mona. Maybe you should become a nurse or doctor yourself.
Mona: Ha ha. Funny Wam. They are family. Of course I help. Hal is still having headaches, but extra strength paracetamol seems to help so far.
Wam: Glad to hear it. I'm heading to Rochester tonight for the Board of Directors' meeting tomorrow morning. If you need anything, call my cell. I'll try to check it regularly.
Mona: Okay big brother. Have a safe trip. Go ruffle some feathers. (Wink emoji).
I couldn't help but smile as I read her message.
Wam: Give my love to everyone. Love you Mona!
Mona: will do. Love you too Wam!
I finished packing my bag and grabbed my suits for the two days of board meetings. Luckily they were already in garment bags from the dry cleaner. Helen had dropped them off early in the week and picked them up today so I'd have them. I was a lucky man to be able to afford such great help.
Once my belongings were packed in the SUV, I strolled back into the house and put Sammy in her crate. She wasn't fond of being in the crate, so I talked to her calmly as I placed her inside. "It's okay my sweet Sammy." I emptied her dishes and put them in a bag, placed the bag on top of the crate, and carried them out. I put the crate on a blanket on the front seat so Sammy could see me. She tended to complain less that way.
Once on the road, I went to a drive through and ordered a grilled chicken sandwich, apple slices, and two waters for the trip. I didn't open my food until I was out of Red Wing where there was less traffic. Before I started eating, I broke off a small piece of chicken and slid it into the crate for Sammy. "See…traveling isn't so bad if you can have chicken." I laughed as I glanced at her eating the chicken piece.
I then began to eat my sandwich and forced myself to drink both waters. I did not need to get dehydrated after three long days of surgery. I needed to be alert and ready to go tomorrow morning. About an hour after leaving Red Wing, we pulled up to the cabin in Rochester.
The first thing I noticed in the headlights was the car was back where it belonged and the pickup was gone. "Well Sammy, Kynlee must be visiting Kedron. I guess we will go inside and wait for her."
I unlocked the front door, turned on the porch and entryway lights, and unloaded my belongings for the weekend. Once everything was in the house, I let Sammy out of the crate and took my things to my room. The cabin felt so quiet with Kynlee gone. I hoped she would be back sooner rather than later.
I stripped off my work clothes, threw them in the hamper, and took a brief shower so I could sleep in tomorrow. The BOD meeting didn't start until 9AM because they are all a bunch of pansies. As a result, the meetings sometimes ran late into the afternoon or evening. I'd much rather get up and get through the agenda. An email went out just this morning letting us know, this particular meeting could go one and a half or two days instead of the usual one. Apparently there was many important things to go over. This statement confused me because the original agenda did not look taxing or lengthy. Evidently there had been some additions. I'd be an idiot to not realize Dr. Adams had likely brought up Kynlee to the BOD. Nothing ruffled my feathers like being judged and questioned for something I did not do.
I did not allow myself to have Kynlee until her brother was discharged, and even then, she came on to me. Yes I'm attracted to her, but obviously the feeling is mutual.
I sat on the couch, petting Sammy and watched CNN, but Kynlee still hadn't arrived. Of course she didn't know I'd be here tonight either. Do I text her? Maybe I should check and see if she took an overnight bag or was planning to be back. So much for surprising her if she was gone for the night. Of course she said she was looking for a a job too. Maybe she found a job and was working and just hadn't told me yet?
I moved Sammy to the cushion next to me and trapsed up the stairs to check her bedroom. Out of courtesy I knocked, but of course no one was there. I opened the door, turned on the light, and the room looked just how it had before she moved in. I raced over to the closet…empty except for empty hangers. I opened the dresser drawers…empty. I sat on the bed in shock. Where the hell had she gone with all her belongings? Kynlee, my Lee, was gone. I laid back and something crunched under my head. I reached back and pulled out an envelope with my name on it in pink, swirly letters. I ripped the envelope open and began to read the letter. My heart and stomach about jumped out my mouth. "No Kynlee," I screamed into the empty room.