A Reluctant Hello
In the stillness of the night, as the clock’s hands inched towards our fated hour, Vivian and I exchanged a look of grim understanding. Our decision to proceed was fraught with the fear of what might await us at the drop. Yet, the alternative—facing whatever ‘truth’ the kidnapper held over us—was equally untenable. With hearts heavy and minds racing, we set out into the darkness, the fate of our family cradled in the fabric of the pouch I carried.