“Snap!”, Justin’s hand makes a thunderous bang as he slams it against the table.

This is my fifth year working as a babysitter and I’ve looked after many different kids, but Justin is definitely my favourite.

His parents are already ten minutes late.

“Audrey again, again!”, it’s hard to resist his cute little freckles.

I shuffled two even piles of cards and placed them gently on the table. More time passes as Justin and I continue on with our game.

Fourteen minutes late. Justin’s parents had been home late before, but not this late.

As time passed I began to feel more worried. I know from my previous babysitting experience that the best thing to do is just call his parents and check in.

“One minute, Justin, I just have to make a quick phone call”, I try not to sound worried. The last thing I want is for Justin to freak out.

I reached down into my leather purse and pull out my phone. I quickly find the number and click the call button.

Straight to voicemail.

Now I was really stressed. This was the first time the first time that this had happened to me. Do I call my boss, do I just wait?

Another ten minutes pass. It’s 8:20pm, and I could see that Justin is starting to get tired.

“Audrey, play with me!”, his cute little squeaky voice demanded. The snap cards were spread across the table. Some facing up showing basic pictures of trees, and animals. Others were facing down with the game logo, a small little dancing banana.

I agreed, and another twenty minutes pass. We laughed, we talked, but inside I just wanted to burst.

I made a promise to myself, if five more minutes pass and they don’t show up, I’m calling the police. They were forty minutes late already. I intensely stare at my watch as the big arrow rotates.

8:43pm, nothing.

At this point I was about to cry. What if something happened to them?

8:45pm. It was time.

“This is the police, what’s your emergency?”.