Jane’s arrival that Saturday was unexpected but not unusual; she’d always been spontaneous. This time, she showed up with Tommy, her face weary yet smiling. However, something felt off.

“Mom, I need a favor,” she said, placing Tommy down. He dashed to the living room, oblivious to the tension.

“I need you to watch Tommy for about two weeks,” she continued, avoiding my gaze. My heart sank. “How long exactly? What’s this work trip about?”

“It’s just… a new project. I’ll be back before you know it,” she replied, fidgeting with her purse.

“Is everything alright?” I pressed. For a brief moment, fear flickered in her eyes before she masked it with a smile. “I’m fine, really. Just tired.”

After a quick hug, she rushed off, leaving Tommy behind. We spent the day playing, but my unease lingered. That evening, when Tommy spilled juice during dinner, I opened the suitcase to find fresh clothes—winter gear, spring attire, and a concerning amount of medication. My heart raced. Why would she pack for multiple seasons if she intended to return soon?

A baby boy sitting next to a luggage bag | Source: Amomama

At the bottom of the suitcase, I found an envelope with cash—far more than she usually carried. Panic set in as I realized Jane had no plans to come back anytime soon, if at all. I tried calling her, but it went straight to voicemail.

Three days passed without a word. I reached out to her friends and coworkers; no one had seen her. Each day, I focused on keeping Tommy happy, but worry gnawed at me.

Then, my phone rang—Jane was video calling. Relief flooded me until I saw her pale face.

“Mom, I’m so sorry,” she said, her voice strained.

“Where are you? Are you okay?”

“I can’t tell you where I am. I’m on a secret work mission.”

Her vague response terrified me. “Don’t worry; I’m safe. Please put Tommy on the phone.”

After their brief conversation, she hung up. I tried calling back, but her number was off. My heart sank. I feared the worst: the father of Tommy, a dangerous man, was back in town, and I needed to protect my grandson.

Weeks passed with no word from Jane. I did my best to reassure Tommy, but inside, dread consumed me. Finally, I decided it was safe enough to return home.

When Jane finally arrived, she looked exhausted but relieved. Tommy ran to her, and for a moment, it felt right again. But I knew it wasn’t over. Jane’s life was built on secrets.

“Mom, I can’t tell you about my assignment,” she said softly.

I hugged her tightly. “Just promise me you’ll stay safe.”

“I promise,” she whispered, though we both knew the weight of that promise.

As they drove away, I stood at the door, a mix of relief and fear washing over me, whispering a prayer for their safety.

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