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Dr. Shadid steps through the doors, looking exhausted. He scans the lobby and then locks eyes with me. He smiles, the exhaustion slipping away from his expression as he makes his way over.
“How’s your day been?” He takes a seat in the armchair adjacent to me.
“It’s been fine,” I answer, setting my phone down beside me on the couch. “How did Cameron do today?”
He purses his lips together thoughtfully. “Well, he seems to have a good grip on things, really. He appears more level-headed than he’s made out to be.”
“That’s good news.”
“Yes, but we also haven’t triggered anything too personal. Some people only become angry when they feel as though it’s an attack on something or someone they love.”
“That makes sense.”
He nods. “Yeah, and then there are people who always deal with things internally.” The look he gives me makes me think this is a loaded statement.
“Oh?”
“Yes, and those tend to be some of the hardest people to reach.” Dr. Shadid runs his hands across his jeans. “And sometimes, they’ve been hurt the most.”
“Maybe,” I say carefully. “Or maybe they just don’t know how to talk about the things that happened to them.”
“Maybe.” He smiles softly. “But letting someone in is a good thing. Sure, there’s always the risk of getting hurt, but that’s just a part of being human. We let each other down to some degree.”
“True, but I’ve been let down enough, and the person that I always ran to isn’t here anymore.”
Dr. Shadid gives me a warm, sympathetic look. “I know how that feels. It’s tough, and grief leaves no one alone.”
My eyes shift to the main doors as the group of participants suddenly start streaming in, but as I take in the faces, Cameron isn’t with them.
My heart drops. I look to Dr. Shadid. “Do you know where Cameron is?”
“Oh yeah.” He laughs. “The group activities wrapped up earlier, but he was working on pulling a favor—and I think it worked. You probably ought to head back out to the cabin.”
I narrow my eyes at him, trying to read the expression on his face. It’s impossible, though. “What’s he up to?”
“Why don’t you go see yourself?”
“Okay...” I blow out a sharp sigh and head for the doors.
“Come see me sometime, Nila. We can chat more,” Dr. Shadid calls after me.
I turn back to him and nod. I have no desire to dig deep into my past or the hurt I have from losing my gran, but maybe it would be good to talk about the things on my mind—those things mostly surrounding my job ... and Cameron.
I make the walk back to the cabin in about fifteen minutes, taking my sweet time. I’m nervous as to what I might stumble upon, but as I step inside of the tiny cabin, I’m greeted by...
Nothing.
The entire place is empty.
“Cameron?” I call out, checking everywhere—the bathroom included.
I sigh, running my fingers through my tangled hair. I need a shower, but I also need to find him.
I make my way out of the bedroom and then catch sight of the back door. It’s ajar.
And as I pull it open, my mouth falls open.
“Hey.” Cameron beams, sitting on a picnic blanket. He pats the space beside him, and I step off the back porch to join him. I spy a picnic basket and a bottle of wine.
