As I sat in my car, heart pounding and mind racing, I tried to piece together the events that had just unfolded. The barbecue had seemed like any other family gathering, a day to enjoy the company of loved ones amidst the aroma of grilled meat and laughter echoing around the backyard. Yet, the scene outside was anything but ordinary now, more like something out of a crime drama.
Amanda’s words had stung—a surprising attack on my role as a grandmother. I had always believed in letting children explore and get a little messy; it was part of being a kid. But Amanda and Robert, my son, had different ideas, with their stringent rules and ‘protocols.’ My thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the memory of that cryptic message: Leave now. Don’t talk to anyone. I had never seen the number before, but something in my gut told me to trust it.
