by Melissa Haag
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Rushing through the back door with a smile on my face, I felt a stab of disappointment at the greeting I received from the dark and empty kitchen. I set my bag on the table and dug the leftover soup out of the fridge.
While I leaned against the counter waiting for it to warm, I wondered again about Clay’s coveralls. I’d never gotten an answer about them. He probably worked somewhere, which would explain the wallet with the GED and the driver’s license. But where? I could drive around and look for him, but I had no idea where to even start.
I sighed and settled at the table to eat and study. That he might have a job didn’t bother me. That he bailed on what I considered our dinner night without a note or warning, did.
When he wasn’t home by six, I decided to head to the library to work on my speech. I needed the reference materials for research.
Studying at the library without my pull thoroughly increased my efficiency. Thanks to the uninterrupted work, I finished my speech by eight and headed home.
The windows glowed with light, and I felt a spark of excitement. I really wanted to share my unusual experience at the library. However, when I pulled into the driveway, I saw Rachel’s car already in the garage. It meant I couldn’t talk to Clay freely, but maybe I could still manage to whisper to him when we went to bed.
Inside, Rachel sat on the couch alone. There was no sign of Clay. She said she’d just gotten home and asked if I wanted to watch a movie with her. She didn’t mention Clay-the-dog so I told her I felt a little tired and went to bed early. I had no explanation for his disappearance and didn’t want her to worry. I hoped that she thought he was already on my bed.