Jake, in another black suit, waits for me outside at the end of my workday on Thursday. He opens the back door and I expect to see Finn waiting for me, but he isn't. In his place sits a small rectangular green box with a large white bow wrapped around it. I assume the box is for me, but I don't reach to take it. Finn's absence hits me harder than I would have expected. I've gotten used to his smiling face before and after work each day. His excitement is infectious. Finn always leaves me in a good mood.
"Are we picking Finn up now?" I question as soon as Jake is in the vehicle.
He meets my eyes in the rear view mirror and hesitates in his answer. "He had to stay late for a meeting, but he said he hoped the surprise made up for him not being here."
"Oh." Jake's comments don't sound good.
