When my daughter Jane suddenly arrived, asking me to watch my grandson Tommy for a couple of weeks, I didn’t think much of it—until I opened her suitcase. Inside, I found clothes for every season, Tommy’s medicine, and a large amount of cash. My heart raced as I realized she might not be coming back soon.

Jane was nervous and vague about where she was going, claiming it was for work. Days turned into weeks without any contact, and I grew increasingly worried. Then, a brief video call finally came. Jane looked exhausted, assuring me she was safe but refusing to reveal her location.

What I didn’t know was that Jane was fleeing from Tommy’s dangerous father. She had to leave to protect her son, erasing any trace of him from her home. Though relieved when she returned weeks later, I knew the secrets she carried would continue to haunt her. As they drove away, I prayed for their safety, realizing the dangers were far from over.