Chapter 13

After the banquet, Lauren received a call from Leo, the little boy she had met that day. He invited her to his home to see his paintings.

Hearing his voice, Lauren found the little boy even more endearing. She didn't usually like children, but she liked Leo immensely, for reasons she couldn't explain.

"I'd love to," Lauren said, nodding. Then, to Leo, she added, "Do you need to go to bed now? Get a good night's rest if you want to grow taller."

Leo chuckled nervously. Worried that Lauren wouldn't like him if he didn't grow tall, he immediately nodded. "I'm going to sleep now, Lauren. Good night. I'll grow taller and taller!"

Daphne, the maid, was surprised to find Leo's light off. He usually stayed up late and rarely went to bed so early. It was only 10 o'clock. Yesterday, he had stayed up until midnight and slept until noon, angering Mr. Frank to the point of threatening to send him away.

Could Leo be sick? Daphne worried.

She gently opened the door and whispered, "Leo, are you awake?"

Daphne's intrusion startled Leo, who was trying to fall asleep. He became unhappy and lost his temper. "Why did you come in without permission?"

Daphne apologized immediately. "I'm sorry, I just wanted to make sure you were alright."

It wasn't easy for a child to control their temper, and Leo was only four and a half. He soon realized his mistake. "How can I be angry with Daphne? She's so good to me," he thought.

Still worried about not growing tall, Leo couldn't sleep. He felt guilty about snapping at Daphne, and the conflicting emotions overwhelmed him. Unable to express himself, he cried, increasing Daphne's concern.

"Why are you crying? Are you uncomfortable?" Daphne asked, sending another maid to fetch Mr. Frank. She touched Leo's forehead, finding only sweat, no fever. She adjusted his covers and gently comforted him. "Can you tell me why you're crying? Did someone bully you?"

When Charlie arrived, Leo had been crying for some time; his eyes, nose, and face were red, and his neck was wet with tears.

"What's wrong?" Charlie asked.

With a sad face, Leo said, "I can't fall asleep, but I want to." He believed it would help him grow taller.

Charlie dismissed Daphne and lay down beside Leo, saying softly, "Daddy will sleep with you."

Leo fell asleep in his father's arms, then told him about Lauren. "I'm inviting a friend home tomorrow."

"Your friend? Are you going to the playground?" Charlie asked, referring to the amusement park Leo's grandmother had built for him.

"No," Leo said. "Lauren's a grown-up; she wouldn't like it."

"What did you say? What's your friend's name?" Charlie asked, startled.

Slightly frightened, Leo whispered, "Her name is Lauren."

Charlie suddenly remembered something Leo had said earlier that evening: "Dad, I like Lauren from the Bennett family, and I want her to be my mother!" Lost in his own sadness, he hadn't paid attention.

His heart pounded. His lips trembled before he could speak normally. "Lauren? Are you sure it's Lauren Bennett?"

Leo nodded, puzzled. He looked at Charlie and asked, "Do you know Lauren?" Even as a child, Leo was observant.

Overwhelmed, Charlie couldn't reply. He covered Leo with the quilt, said "Good night," and left.

Back in his study, Charlie went to the window and lit a cigarette. He rarely smoked, but he'd enjoyed it before his wife disliked the smell and he quit. After her disappearance, he'd started again, sometimes smoking a pack a day. He'd cut back in recent years, partly for Leo, partly in the hope of not offending her upon her return.

He blinked away tears. He went to the computer and searched for "Lauren Bennett, Mr. Bennett's lost daughter (18 years ago)." The woman in the photos was familiar. He chuckled softly. Finally, she was back.