Missing: The boy who disappeared

Chapter 17 - What did you just say?

A/N

So, a couple of things.

1. You are really not going to like the first line of this chapter.

2. So, please forgive me for that, I am extremely sorry. Xoxo

3. You will really love me when you reach the end. ( Hint: best cliffhanger of all time) so, you are welcome. ♡

 

‘Never give up, for that is the place and time, that the tide will turn.’ 

🚨🚨  4 years later  🚨🚨
A/N ( I said I was sorry, stop yelling at me )

Louis is running late. Despite his text to Harry claiming he was "stuck" at work, Harry sees right through the excuse. It's become an annual ritual, the same tired narrative playing out time and time again.

Harry sets his phone down gently on the kitchen counter, making sure not to disturb the array of snacks spread out before him. Biscuits, candies, potato crisps, and a freshly baked cake adorned with a big number 4 sit waiting to be enjoyed.

From behind him, a tender voice pierced the silence carrying with it a touch of sadness.

"Papa, is daddy coming home soon?"

The words tug at Harry's heartstrings, and he feels tears welling up in his eyes.

"Yes, piggy." he replies softly, turning and braving a smile. "Daddy will be home very soon.”

Upon hearing the familiar nickname, Harry notices a subtle change in his child's demeanour. The slight downturn of their lips transforms into a genuine smile brightening their eyes with excitement, meaning his plan had worked.

"Yippee!" the child exclaims, their voice bubbling over with exhilaration and delight.

The thing was, Louis wasn’t at work. He was seated in his car, which was parked a short distance from their residence. This day has always been emotionally challenging for him, and he required a brief period to reflect and actually breathe.

Birthdays were meant to be joyous occasions, but for him, they often dredged up memories and emotions he'd rather forget. He looked at himself in the rearview mirror, taking a second to compose himself. He couldn't let his own feelings overshadow this day. It would be unfair to the young child patiently waiting for him at home if he allowed himself to succumb to the negative frame of mind that was currently encroaching upon him. With a deep sigh, he wiped away his tears and resolved to shift his mindset before heading back to celebrate.

Louis entered the house, greeted by the delightful aroma of chocolate cake wafting through the air. The sound of laughter reached his ears, filling him with warmth and contentment. He paused in the kitchen doorway, observing the scene before him with much joy and longing. Harry was engrossed in playful antics with their child, a sight that never failed to fill his heart with such unconditional love.

As he watched, a pang of sadness creeped in, a reminder of the precious moments Harry had missed with Saxon. But he quickly pushed aside those thoughts, reminding himself to focus on the present. He quietly retreated from view, content to linger in the background and soak in the happiness of his family for a quick moment while he prepared himself.

Smiling, he looks down at the present in his hand, the present he had the store owner wrap for him. He clears his throat before letting his presence be known by opening and closing the door louder this time.

“I'm home!" he calls out, the sound of his voice filling the house.

As he speaks, he hears the pitter-patter of tiny feet approaching, followed by the soft thud of a small body colliding into his leg.