When my daughter unexpectedly left my grandson with me, a sense of unease settled in. Later, what I found in the child’s bag confirmed my worst fears. Would my daughter return for her son? Was she even safe? The events that unfolded left me with more questions than answers.
It was a Saturday when Jane arrived unannounced, which wasn’t unusual given her spontaneous nature. She brought Tommy along, smiling as she greeted me, but I could tell something was amiss. Jane seemed more drained than usual, and the worry lines on her face were deeper.
She quickly asked me to watch Tommy for about two weeks, possibly longer, because of a sudden work trip. I agreed, eager to spend time with my grandson, but the feeling that something was wrong lingered. As she left, her nervousness was evident—she avoided my gaze and fidgeted with her purse.
Despite her reassurances that everything was fine, her behavior told a different story. I hugged her tightly before she hurried out the door, leaving Tommy in my care. The day passed smoothly with games, stories, and snacks, but the unease gnawed at me.
Later that evening, after Tommy spilled juice on himself, I went to the suitcase Jane had left to get him some fresh clothes. What I discovered inside left me shocked and more worried than ever.
The suitcase was packed not for a short trip, but for several months, with clothes for different seasons, toys, and medicines. At the bottom, I found an envelope with my name on it, containing a large sum of cash—far more than Jane usually carried. A terrifying realization dawned on me: she might not be coming back.
I immediately tried calling her, but my calls went straight to voicemail. I left a message, my voice trembling as I urged her to call me back. The next morning, with no word from her, my fears deepened. I reached out to her work, friends, and even her old college roommate, but no one had seen or heard from her. It was as if she had vanished.
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