Meryl and Don: An Unforeseen Journey

Chapter 50

"Where's Don?" Third asked as he and Maeve got to the apartment after greeting his parents and Larry.

Larry pointed to the office. "He locked himself in there when we got back."

"He didn't even speak." Harry pointed out. "He picked up a framed picture of the three of them and went in there."

Maeve looked at them. "Wasn't that hours ago?"

"Yeah." Larry sighed. "I know he's blaming himself."

Mary nodded. "We haven't been able to convince him otherwise."

"I can't believe this is happening." Maeve said wiping her tears then turned to Third. "Honey, maybe he'll talk to you."

Third looked at Larry. "If Larry didn't get to through to him I don't think I can."

"It's sure worth a shot." Larry said.

Third nodded and went over to the office door and knocked. "Don? Hey man, it's me, Third." No answer. "We're all pretty worried about you. I know this is your worst nightmare come true, it's ours as well. I know you are blaming yourself, but Don, this is NOT your fault. You protect my sister and nephew with an intensity I have never seen. You are an inspiration to me as a husband and father. Buddy, we all love you and want to be here for you. Come on, man, we've always been able to talk to each other; talk to me."

"I want them back, Third." Don whispered through the door.

Third sighed and gave his family a thumbs up. "We do, too, Don. We're gonna get them back. Come out and talk to us. We love you. We just want to help."

"It IS my fault." Don said. "I let down my guard. I left the apartment without them. Why couldn't he take me instead? Why did I have to go get Meryl that fucking pretzel? When I was in line waiting on the pretzel I felt a chill and knew I needed to get back to them; but I didn't. I waited for the pretzel. Damn it!"

Third sighed. "Don, we thought he was in jail for the rest of his life. There's a restraining order against him. It took you both a month but you finally started living your life. This is NOT your fault. Meryl would kick your ass for thinking so."

"Yeah." Don said sadly thinking about his wife.

Third could tell Don was becoming quiet again. "You know, you are the best thing to ever have happened to her. You brought her back to life. You have given her unimaginable love and happiness these past 3 years and will continue to do so when we get her and Henry back. We ARE getting them back, Don."

"She and our babies are the best thing to ever happen to me." Don choked.

Third hated this so much. "Buddy, we brought over some sandwiches. Please come out and eat. You need to keep up your strength for Meryl and Henry and the baby."

"I don't even know if that fucker is feeding them." Don said not budging. "I am not eating or sleeping until they're home."

Third thought he heard Don walk away. "Don? Buddy?" Third looked at Larry, Maeve, Harry and Mary. "It didn't work."

"You got a hell of a lot further than I did." Larry said leading Third from the door. "We just need to give him time. I called Liz and said I won't be home tonight. I'm not leaving him until we get them back."

All the streets echoed the sentiment. "Neither are we."

***

Don shook his head as he walked over to a cabinet in the office and began searching until he found a map of Brooklyn. He went over and got some push pins hanging it on the wall. He then took a sharpie and marked the area they had already looked. He then looked at the picture he had barely sat down after getting home. "Stay strong, my loves, I'm going to find you. I am not going to stop until I find you."