My voice sounded strangely controlled despite the fear rising inside me as I pulled away the blankets, slipped into the closest shoes, and snatched my car keys from the dresser.
The journey across Nashville passed through a haze of rain-covered streets and overwhelming concern.
Every passing traffic light seemed to remind me of the conversation I had shared with my former wife, Delaney, only a few days earlier.
On Monday afternoon, she had stood in my driveway looking every bit like the composed, attentive suburban mother she always presented herself to be.
With her carefully styled appearance and expensive sunglasses, she had smiled reassuringly while explaining that she was taking our children to a friend’s secluded lakeside cabin in the Smoky Mountains. Childcare services
According to Delaney, the trip would last an entire week, giving the children an opportunity to enjoy nature, spend time outdoors, and temporarily disconnect from their usual routines.
She had also emphasized that cellular reception would be unavailable at the property.
If anything important happened, she promised she would contact me using the cabin’s landline telephone.
At the time, I had accepted her explanation without questioning it.
Now, with Micah’s frightened voice still echoing through my thoughts, those carefully delivered assurances seemed entirely different.
