It was Nemo's first day of fifth grade and he had already managed to get Marlin out of bed. They drove to the bus stop and Marlin hugged him goodbye. He handed Nemo his lunch and he hurried onto the bus to greet his friends. Marlin nervously waved as the bus drove away and sighed.

"Did I miss him?"

Marlin turned and saw Dory frowning. "Yes, Dory, Nemo just left."

"Aw! I thought I was going to make it!"

Before he could reply, Marlin got a sudden thought. "Wait...did you drive here?!"

"No, I took the bus. You know I can't drive!"

Marlin put a hand to his chest and sighed with relief. "Well, come on, I'll give you a ride home. Do you parents even know you're here?"

They walked across the school parking lot to Marlin's truck. "Well, no, but-"

"Dory, how many times have we told you not to sneak out of the house like that? What if something happened to you? I am not going to go through another huge trip to get someone back home! Is that clear?"

Dory looked down as he raised his voice. "Yes."

He sighed and opened her car door for her. "Come on. Maybe we can get back before they wake up."

They were both silent during the drive. When they reached the house, Marlin walked her to the front door. "Now, Dory, where is the spare key?"

She shut her eyes and tried for think. "Under my dad's hat?"

Marlin chuckled and reached down. "How about under the mat?"

He took out and opened the front door. Charlie, Dory's father, was standing there with his arms folded. Marlin gulped. "Morning, Charlie."

"Where have you been, Dory? Your mother and I just woke up and found you missing!"

Dory bit her lip. "Yes, Dad, I know. I just wanted to see Nemo off on his first day but I forgot to tell you guys and then I got on the bus and-"

Marlin shut his eyes. "I'll leave you two to it, then."

Dory grabbed his arm. "No, Marlin, don't go!"

Charlie held Dory's hand. "Honey, he's done enough. Thanks, Marlin. Come on, kelpcake."

Marlin pulled away from Dory's tight grasp and waved them goodbye. He got into his car and drove back to his apartment. His mind was filled with questions. Dory had been excited for Nemo to be going into 5tg grade, but was it worth risking getting lost again and taking a bus? Well, it was Dory he was talking about.