MARK'S POV
"I've been keeping the truth from you, Mom," I said, my voice tinged with uncertainty, as I sat down beside her on the plush bed. We faced the massive 95-inch TV; its sleek screen was perched atop a glass table that reflected the dim light of the room.
I couldn't ignore the CNN morning breaking news flashing on the screen: "Two girls kidn*pped from separate locations in California." As I read the scrolling ticker below, it sent a chill down my spine—the words seemed to mirror my own desperate situation.
I knew Mom had been closely observing my behavior lately, but she seemed to be deliberately overlooking the changes in me, perhaps to avoid jumping to conclusions or maybe she just didn't want to confront the reality.
"What's wrong, son? Something is bothering you, isn't it?"
