The Missing Birthday Boy.

Everyone admired the Peterson family and many children would want Mr. and Mrs. Peterson to be their parents because of their status in Melbo County. While Mrs. Peterson is an operator at the emergency call center, her husband holds the position of the fire chief at the Melbo Fire Department.

Every morning when they step out in their uniforms, heads turn in their direction in admiration. Kids rush to say hello while the adults salute them, and the couples are well known all over the county.

They are highly respected due to their tremendous efforts at their respective departments, but Kendrick, their only child, had a different opinion about his parents.

A few months ago was his 9th birthday celebration and it went down just like his previous birthdays. He got numerous gifts from his parents before they left the house, and they promised to return early to have dinner together.

Kendrick knew his parents would never return early; they said the same thing last year, but none of them showed up until past bedtime just like every other day. His paternal grandmother played the role of parents in his life since he was a baby but age wasn't on her side anymore. Grandmother can barely match Kendrick's energy,

While grandma tried to prevent Kendrick from feeling his parents' absence, his friends in the neighborhood and schoolmates always reminded him that his parents weren't doing enough.

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"Didn't you tell your parents about today's sports competition?" Miss Bella, Kendrick class teacher, asked immediately after she noticed the Mr. & Mrs Peterson weren't at the parents' stand during the competition.

"They are aware, and my grandmother came with me," Kendrick replied pointing to his grandma sitting among other parents.

"That's lovely, and I would have loved to meet them personally to appreciate their contributions to the event," Miss Bella said to Kendrick who didn't seem interested in the conversation.

"They are probably responding to an emergency," Kendrick muttered.

"Emergency?" Miss Bella stuttered trying to figure out what Kendrick said.

"I meant they must be attending to one emergency or the other right now," He replied while they both paid attention to the announcement made by the game master.

"Yes, that must be the case. I think it's time for the 100m junior race," Miss Bella said after the announcement and led Kendrick to the tracks.

While preparing for the race, Kendrick got emotional seeing parents cheering their children. Although he was cheered by some parents and staff, it didn't feel like having his parents around. He ran back into the school hall, sobbing, and Miss Bella ran after him.

Every effort to console him was futile and the race had to continue without him. Miss Bella was concerned about the incident and invited Kendrick's parents for a brief meeting.

A few days later, Mr. Peterson showed up and was warmly received by both teachers and students. His presence in the school was a huge one and after Miss Bella explained the whole situation, he promised to make amendments.

He made a donation to the school as usual and left with Kendrick since it was almost closing time. On their way home, Mr. Peterson stopped at an eatery to have lunch with his son. He got a big pizza and chocolate ice cream for Kendrick.

They had a great evening together, and Kendrick was very happy because he couldn't remember the last time he had such a moment with any of his parents. He hugged his dad, thanking him as they left the eatery.

Kendrick had the attention of his parents for the next few days. They returned home early, had breakfast together, and even went to the park that weekend, but that was all.

The new week started the old way, grandma had to prepare breakfast because his parents had left the house even before daybreak. Kendrick assumed that day just happened like but it continued for several months.

On his 10th birthday, Kendrick woke up to gifts beside his bed, but his parents were gone. There was a birthday card on those presents and it contained a message from his parents telling him how much they love him. Grandma prepared a small cake, they sang birthday songs, and ate breakfast.

Later that morning, Kendrick packed the gift and took them to the store room in the basement. He visits there once a year to dump his birthday gift since he clocked 8 and he would gladly trade them just for a decent birthday celebration with his parents.

While staring at the gift stacked at one corner of the store, Kendrick fell to the ground and started sobbing. He was there weeping silently for some minutes before falling asleep.

Grandma noticed Kendrick wasn't inside, and she looked around the house for him, but he was nowhere to be found. She went into the neighborhood, asking if he might be playing with other kids due to the holiday, but nobody saw him.

Grandma reached for her phone and, with shaking hands, dialed her son's number.

"Hello Mom," Mr. Peterson said immediately after picking up the call.

"I can't find Kendrick in the house and nobody saw him in the neighborhood. I think he's missing," Grandma's voice trembled.

"I am on my way home right now," Mr Peterson left the fire station with two brigadiers after briefly explaining to his assistant. Mrs. Peterson got the message immediately and also left the emergency call center.

In less than 15 minutes, they all arrived home. A few neighbors who heard about the incident joined the search and it continued for over 30 minutes.

While Mr. Peterson was pondering where Kendrick could be, he remembered seeing some presents in the basement some time ago. He wanted to ask Kendrick why he left them there but didn't remember.

He thought since it was Kendrick's birthday, he could be there but he felt nothing should keep him waiting there. Some minutes later, Mr. Peterson decided to check the basement; his wife and two police officers accompanied him.

Upon getting there, it was dusty. They checked every room in the basement but couldn't find him. Mr. Peterson then went to check the store room, where he saw the gifts, and there he was lying on the bare floor.

"Oh! Kendrick," Mrs Peterson screamed and rushed to check his heartbeat.

She felt relieved knowing he was okay and Mr. Peterson immediately lifted him from the ground while his mother tried waking him.

"Thanks for the birthday party mummy," Kendrick was sleep -talking as they left the basement.

Dad! Mom! Kendrick immediately after he opened his eyes. He was surprised to see his parents and some of his dad's colleagues at home.

"Am I having a party? I thought it was a dream," Kendrick said, looking confused.

"Yes son, we came to celebrate with you, but didn't find you in the house," Mrs Peterson replied before her husband could say anything.

"I am sorry for raising a false alarm, I should have checked the basement before calling," Grandma apologized to everyone immediately they returned to the living room.

"It's okay. We're glad to help with the search. We will head back now," One of the brigadiers replied.

Mr Peterson immediately went outside to thank everyone who came around, and they departed knowing Kendrick had been found.

Upon getting back inside, Mr Peterson asked Kendrick why he was in the basement.

"I went to keep my presents until you would open them with me," Kendrick replied.

"We are so sorry about being absent for those special moments, and it's all because we want to make more money to provide for your needs," Mr. Peterson replied, embracing his son.

_Source

Mr and Mrs. Kendrick realized how much distance they've created between them and their son. They both apologized and planned a small family party which included opening all the gifts in the basement.

After the party, the couple spoke privately on how to be part of their child's life henceforth. The weekend came, and Mr. Peterson took the day off, instructing that he was to be called if any emergency came up.

He went on a bicycle ride with Kendrick and that moment meant a lot to them. Upon arriving home, Mr. Peterson had prepared the Kendrick's favorite meal.