There was the sound of another door opening and voices. I crept out of bed silently, almost like a ghost. A deep, smooth voice was heard as I leaned against the door.

“It happened,” I heard my mother say.

“To him too?” the man inquired with a groan.

“Yes, though it’s not as bad as the others,” she replied.

“We need to get him to safety,” the man commented.

“Not there!” my mother exclaimed.

“It is our safest bet,” he argued.

“I don’t want to say this, but you may be right,” she agreed with a soft whine.

“I know you are reluctant, but it must be done,” he said.

“Alright, I’ll do it, but he stays with me for the next three days. I need to say goodbye, if you’ll allow me,” my mother murmured.

“Be careful,” he stated softly.

There were footsteps again and I heard the front door open and close. My mother made her way back up the hallway. I ran back to my bed and pretended to be asleep just as she opened the door to my room. My mother looked around, then sat down at the edge of my bed. She curled my hair behind my ear.

“My little baby boy… I’m so sorry,” she whispered softly.

She planted a gentle kiss on my temple. I remained silent until, with her touch, I knocked out. My mother left sometime after, but I was asleep. The next time I awoke, it was day. I scowled, knowing I had to go to school. Ugh, school. I put on the uniform, a white collared shirt, tie, and navy blue slacks. I struggled with the tie and decided to give up on it. In the kitchen, I downed a glass of milk, then walked to school. Once I reached my building, I paused. It’s still kind of early… Charlie probably isn’t here yet… I looked around, slowly realizing with dread that I was right.