TESSA
I had been restless all morning. Ever since Ben and Ingrid came here, a strange unease clung to me, whispering fears I couldn’t quite name. My chest always felt heavy with the thought of someone coming to take Calla away.
It was irrational, maybe, but motherhood is full of irrational terrors. You can tell yourself your child is safe, but the moment you turn away and they’re not where you left them, the world collapses.
That happened today.
I turned from the stove after finishing lunch, wiping my hands on a towel, only to find the chair beside me empty.
“Calla?”
No reply.
My heart leapt into my throat. I searched the kitchen and the living room, and even peeked into the small laundry room, as if she might’ve slipped in there without me noticing. Nothing. The silence grew lo
