What I had understood as a harmless family getaway suddenly appeared to have concealed a far more troubling situation.
I pulled my SUV onto the front lawn of Delaney’s rented house, leaving the engine running while its headlights illuminated the heavy rain falling across the property.
Without waiting another moment, I hurried onto the porch and pushed through the unlocked front door.
Inside, the house was unnaturally quiet.
The air felt stale, carrying the lingering scent of spoiled milk and household items that had been left unattended for days.
“Micah!”
My voice echoed through the entrance hall, and in that moment, every thought of my professional responsibilities v@nished. I was no longer concerned with business meetings, financial agreements, or corporate deadlines.
I was simply a father determined to reach his children. Childcare services
I discovered them inside the main bedroom.
Micah sat curled against the side of the bed, still wearing the clothes he had on when I said goodbye to him Monday afternoon. He held an empty cereal box tightly against his chest, as though it were the only familiar object offering him comfort.
