He had no luggage, only a backpack he filled with toiletries and a change of underwear. He booked an afternoon ticket home. When he reached the terminal he pulled out his phone and found a bench. The picture on the screen was of his family in what he at least thought was a happy time.
It was about a quarter to nine. He stared at that photo before opening the messaging app. William scrolled down his contact list until he got to “Suzanne.” He opened it and saw the last message was in July 2018. He hoped Suzanne would be working from home. He thought it likely, given what he knew about her company’s business.
He typed.
{William: Suzanne. I am in new york to see you. Please tell me whether you will see me. And where. Father.}
He stared at the draft. Would she understand? Would she respond?
He added “Love” before “Father” and hit send.