« Jane, you’re scaring me. What’s happening? »
« Don’t worry, Mom. I am safe and okay, and I will be back soon, » my daughter said, failing to convince me.
« I don’t believe you. Why can’t I see you properly? » I questioned.
« Mom! You’re stressing me out! I am fine. Please put Tommy on the phone; I’d like to speak to him. »
I sighed but did as she asked. To avoid talking to me again, as soon as she finished talking to Tommy, she dropped the phone.
When I tried calling back, she didn’t pick up, as the number was off! I sat there wringing my hands, looking at that ominous blue bag…
I’d always been secretive about the identity of Tommy’s father. I knew who he was, but I swore to my mother that I didn’t. The truth about him was far darker… I knew he was a dangerous man.
I happened to hear through the grapevine that he was back in town and knew I had to act fast. I couldn’t let him find out about Tommy’s existence. If he ever did, I worried he might take him, use him, or worse…
I panicked, packed Tommy’s things, and tried to make it look like it was another normal visit with Grandma. But it was different this time. I had to erase any trace of Tommy from my house. That’s why I packed up his clothes and toys.
I even removed his photos from the walls and took them with me. I wasn’t taking any chances in case Alex rocked up at my place and pieced it all together. I knew this meant sacrificing time with my son for weeks, but I couldn’t take chances.
