The 3 Stages of "What Do You Mean My Kid Is Gone?"

PANIC: What do you mean Abbey didn't arrive at the after-school program with the other kids? She's always right on time. No, I'm sure she didn't stay late to talk to a teacher. Oh sure, go ahead and overhead-page her.

RELIEF: Wait a second. She said she wanted to go with her friend after school today, and I clearly said no. I clearly said there's no way I could leave work to pick her up at 4pm. She was pissed. But I was firm. Maybe I should just call that other mom .... who of course has my daughter at her house, safe and sound.

RETRIBUTION: Hmmmm.... What to do about this, now?

DR EVIL SAYS: "Don't mess with me. I'm one crazy mo-fo. I had to pop a cop cause he wasn't giving me my props in Oaktown. No? I've heard that somewhere."

UPDATE: Apparently I had something to do with this by saying, "Yes honey you can go to your friend's house, but not tomorrow. I'll call her mom and we'll pick a different time." Abbey quit listening after "yes" - and I forgot to call the other mom. Hence, I did NOT take away her birthday over this.