That night I made a decision.

What if Mom really did lose her job? What if things were falling apart? What if Mom couldn’t get it together, what then? Would we lose the house? Would we have to live on the streets?

I had to do something. I was trying to help her, trying and trying and trying but it wasn’t working.

So I decided.

I had to find Dad.

Right?

Right?

I listened for my gut and it said nothing.

I went to the computer.

Bryce National Park.

Greyhound buses?

Taxi rides?

Craigslist carpool board?

I could go. I could go there this weekend. I could find him.

I printed up the map of Bryce.

I wrote up a list of things I should take.

I didn’t know the best way to get there, though.

So then I did this:

............

Dear Bart,

I’m going to try to get to Bryce to get my dad to help us. Can you help me? Do you think going on a Greyhound bus is good or should I do one of those Uber ride things? The Greyhound will take twice the time but I don’t know about the ride stuff. What do you think? And you could come but you don’t have to but you could. Will you email me back and if you can’t, it’s okay. I’ll find you at school.

From,

Olivia,
Your friend

............

Please God. Please let Bart come.

That he’ll do this with me.

I’m coming Dad.