When my daughter suddenly pitched to leave my grandson behind for a while, I found it strange. What I later discovered in the child’s bag left my heart racing out of concern. Would my daughter ever return to get her son? Was she even alive? Read on to find out more!

Jane’s arrival that Saturday was unexpected but not unusual. My daughter had always been spontaneous. This time she showed up at my door with Tommy in tow, her face lit up with a weary smile that only a mother could recognize. But, something was different.

Jane didn’t have the usual pep in her step, and the little lines of worry around her eyes seemed deeper, more pronounced.

“Mom, I need a favor,” she said as soon as she stepped inside, setting Tommy down. He immediately ran off to the living room, where his favorite toys waited, completely oblivious to the tension in the air.

“Of course, sweetheart. What do you need?” I asked, trying to catch her eye. But my daughter was already moving to the hallway, where she left a large blue suitcase.

“I’ve got this work thing, last-minute,” she said, her voice a little too bright. “I need you to watch Tommy for around two weeks. Maybe a little longer.”

I frowned, something uneasy twisting in my gut. But I was always happy to spend time with my grandson, so I didn’t mind much. I adored him; he was a ball of energy, always curious, and asked questions that made me laugh!

Yet, I was concerned about my daughter. “How long exactly, Jane? And what’s this work trip about?”

“It’s just… a new project. You know how it is. I’ll be back before you know it,” she replied, still avoiding my gaze.

Her hands fidgeted with the strap of her purse, a telltale sign she was nervous, though she’d never admit it.

“Jane,” I pressed, trying to reach through the wall she was putting up. “Is everything alright? You look exhausted. If you need to talk, I’m here.”

She finally met my eyes, and for a split second, I saw something raw and terrified flicker across her face before she buried it under a forced smile. “I’m fine, really. Just tired. It’s nothing to worry about.”

But I was worried. My daughter wasn’t one to ask for help lightly, and this request felt heavy with something unsaid. Still, I nodded, pulling her into a hug. “Alright. But promise me you’ll call if you need anything.”