Chapter 38

Jonas mumbled sleepily, "Daddy, when can we hang out with Ms. Sommerton again?" I paused before answering softly, "We'll invite her when she's free, okay?" Jonas nodded and drifted back to sleep. Once I tucked him in bed, I quietly closed his door and walked to the living room. I let out a long breath, only to be startled by the sudden chime of the doorbell. I opened the door to find my neighbor, Ms. Harris, looking distressed. "Mr. Joplin, Momo is sick, and all the regular vets are closed. Could you drive us to the 24-hour vet?" I agreed, leaving a quick note for Jonas before driving Ms. Harris to the emergency vet. By the time I got home, it was nearly midnight. I collapsed onto the couch, my mind drifting back to our picnic—Lorraine's smile, Jonas' laughter, and her delicious food. I pulled out my phone, hesitating briefly before typing a message to Lorraine, "Thank you for today's picnic. Jonas had such a great time." I quickly added another message, "By the way, I'm t