I told him accidents happened and refused the five dollars he offered from his allowance.
Laura continued.
“He said you didn’t make him feel bad after he told the truth.”
That sentence hurt.
A nine-year-old had decided I was safe because I did not punish honesty.
I wished being safe required more.
Two hours later, Detective Vasquez called.
They found Rick’s truck near the cabin.
The children were alive.
Mia had used the emergency button on Rick’s old phone, which he had thrown into the back seat after replacing it. She triggered the distress signal while Rick was unloading supplies.
Police arrived before he reached the cabin.
He had zip ties, duct tape, two fuel containers, and the handgun from the photograph.
Ben had bruises around one wrist.
Mia had a cut above her eyebrow.
But they were alive.
Laura collapsed against me.
I held her while she screamed.
Not cried.
