When Jane suddenly dropped off her son, Tommy, for a “short” trip, I sensed something was off. Her suitcase held clothes for all seasons, not just two weeks. Inside was also a thick envelope of cash—and my name. My heart raced as I realized: she didn’t plan to return soon. I feared for her safety and wondered what she was running from.

Days passed, and I heard nothing. Calls went to voicemail, and no one had seen her. Tommy was cheerful, unaware his mother had vanished. But I was terrified—what had driven Jane to leave like this? I kept hoping for a sign that she was okay.

Then, weeks later, a video call came through. Jane looked drained, said she was on a “secret mission” and refused to say where she was. She spoke briefly to Tommy, then hung up. The number went dead, and my worry deepened. I knew there was more she couldn’t tell me.

In truth, Jane was hiding Tommy from his dangerous father. She trusted me to keep him safe, even if it meant vanishing. When she returned at last, nothing felt truly resolved. The shadows of her secrets still followed—and my prayers for their safety had just begun. I hoped one day she could live without fear.