An Inconceivable Possibility

Deborah quickly let go of Aiden’s hand. ‘I’m sorry, honey. I didn’t mean it. Are you all right?’ Aiden looked up at the stranger who spoke up for him. Austyn stepped into the lift. Aiden lowered his head. ‘I’m fine.’ Austyn said nothing during the entire drive. He pulled into a carpark outside The Pantry, a family-friendly restaurant. Aiden’s eyes were immediately drawn to a giant treehouse playground behind the restaurant. There was also a smaller playground next to the outdoor seating area. Austyn parked his car and got out. He ordered blueberry waffles, a turkey burger and freshly squeezed orange juice for Aiden. ‘Mummy, I don’t like orange juice,’ Aiden complained softly. Deborah squeezed his hand under the table. ‘Don’t be fussy.’ Austyn paused. Then he said to the waiter, ‘Change the orange juice to chocolate milk.’ Aiden kept quiet. Austyn ordered clam chowder and julienne salad for Deborah. ‘Steak or ribs?’ he asked her. ‘Neither. Just the salad’s fine.’ ‘That’s all.’ Austyn re