Hey everyone, I guess I have kept you waiting long enough. So, I have been considering a move away from Nursing. At 38, and as someone who can't have children, I have been thinking a lot about what I would leave behind. I am planning to take the next two or three months and write a book. While I was in Amsterdam, I considered what I wanted to write about and while I would love to write about my own experiences, no-one is going to pay to read an autobiography about a 38 year old nurse. So, I decided to write about something a publisher might actually publish. I know I can always self publish on Amazon but I want to do this properly. I have contacted some literary agents and after three rejections, one agent decided to have a couple of meetings with me. The first one is this evening and there is a follow up planned next Friday morning. Of course, this would be a damp squib if that's all I had for you. So, here are the first three chapters of my book - The Night Movers. It's based on real life companies that I had read about who help abused women escape their husbands. Here is a video about them - Also, I know I usually, send you guys something special via DM if you guys buy me a coffee on here and don't worry I have something REALLY special for this post (I haven't only been busy with writing (wink wink). But for this specific post, I would love to hear your thoughts about my writing too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykemW3xJU-4
So, without further adieu, here's what I have been busy with lately -
CHAPTER ONE
The man’s thinning gray hair and jowls made him look a lot older than forty-three. He was dressed in his usual suit and tie, ready for another day at work. He grabbed his briefcase and made his way to the front door. His wife, Genevieve, was standing there, watching him.
As Arnold approached the door, Genevieve mustered up the courage to say goodbye. "Have a good day at work, dear," she said softly, a small smile on her face.
Arnold gave her a grunt in response. He could see the nervousness in her eyes. It had remained unchanged for years. He cut a tall and imposing figure, as he turned the doorknob, paused for a moment, and then closed the door behind him. He made his way down the driveway, his steps steady and determined.
Inside the house, Genevieve quickly walked to the kitchen window and watched him get into his car. Despite her anxiety, she mustered up the courage to wave goodbye to him, her hand shaking as she did so.
Arnold got into his car and started the engine, the sound of it rumbling through the quiet neighborhood. As the car pulled away, Genevieve let out a deep breath, relieved that her husband was gone for the day. But she also felt a knot in her stomach, knowing that he would be back later that night.
She stood at the window for a few moments, watching as the car disappeared from sight. Then, she let out a sigh and turned away, her mind was racing. Today was not an ordinary day after all.
Genevieve walked rapidly to the nursery. She closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath and trying to push the fear to the back of her mind. When she opened her eyes, she was greeted by the peaceful sight of her children.
Her two-year-old son, Todd, was playing in his playpen, surrounded by a sea of toys. He had a big grin on his face as he played with a toy truck, making engine noises as he pushed it back and forth. Genevieve's heart swelled with love as she watched him, grateful for the moments of happiness he brought into her life.
Across the room, her newborn daughter, Amy, was asleep in her crib. She was swaddled in a soft blanket, her tiny hands tucked under her chin. Her breathing was slow and steady, a peaceful look on her face. Genevieve tiptoed over to the crib, gently reaching down to stroke Amy's forehead. She was still in awe of how perfect and innocent her baby was, and she felt a sense of protectiveness welling up inside her.
The nursery was decorated in soft pastel colors, with a mural of a whimsical forest scene painted on one wall. A rocking chair sat in the corner, inviting Genevieve to sit and hold her children close. The room was a refuge for Genevieve, a place where she could escape the fear and abuse of her life outside these walls.
She stood there for a moment, taking in the peaceful scene and basking in the love she felt for her children. Then, she gathered her resolve and proceeded to the large chest of drawers that lay to the left of the door. It was made out of mahogany and had been in Arnold’s family for generations. After Todd’s birth it was repurposed to hold the children’s diapers, clothes and blankets.
Genevieve’s heart was pounding in her chest as she reached for the bottom drawer, her hand shaking slightly. She had to be careful - her husband must never know what she was hiding.
She opened the drawer and let out a small sigh of relief when she saw that everything was exactly as she had left it. Her hand quickly moved to the bottom of the drawer, patting around until she found a small lump. She grabbed it and pulled it out, revealing a small device that fit easily into the palm of her hand.
It was a cell phone, one that she had hidden from her husband. He monitored her every move and controlled every aspect of her life, but this phone was her lifeline. It was her only way out of this nightmarish existence.
Genevieve clutched the phone to her chest, her heart racing. She knew that she was taking a huge risk by having this device, but she also knew that it could mean the difference between life and death.
Genevieve was standing in the nursery, the small cell phone clutched tightly in her hand. She had reached a breaking point, and she knew that she needed to take action. With shaking hands, she opened the phone and found the number that she had memorized. It was the only number she had saved in the phone, a lifeline to someone who could help her escape her abusive husband.
She took a deep breath and pressed the call button, her heart pounding in her chest. The phone rang, the sound seeming incredibly loud in the quiet of the room. She held her breath, waiting for an answer.
Twenty miles away, another similar phone started ringing. The woman who owned the phone had been contacted by Genevieve a month ago. Genevieve had received an innocuous email id from a friend who had just told her that it was a way out. In just two weeks, the woman had formulated a plan to help her escape and today was when the plan was going to be put into action.
The woman answered the phone, her voice was calm. "Genevieve? Is that you?" she asked.
"Yes, it's me," Genevieve replied, her voice trembling.
The woman on the other end of the line reassured Genevieve and told her that everything was going according to her plan and soon she would not have to worry about Arnold anymore. Genevieve felt a wave of relief wash over her as she hung up the phone. For the first time in a long time, she felt like there was hope.
After the call ended, Genevieve set the phone down on the chest and hugged her children close. She was determined to keep them safe and protected from the abuse she had suffered for far too long.
Genevieve paced back and forth in her kitchen, her heart racing with a mixture of anxiety and anticipation. She stole quick glances out the large kitchen window, her thoughts a jumbled mess. All she could think about was how her relationship with her Arnold had started out with them being madly in love. How could things have gone so wrong?
Genevieve had fallen for him hard and fast, swept off her feet by his charm and good looks. But as time went on, his true colors started to show. He became controlling and abusive, making her feel like she was walking on eggshells all the time. But today, she was taking a stand. She had reached out to someone who could help, and they were coming to rescue her. The woman took a deep breath and tried to calm her racing heart. This was it, her chance to escape and start a new life.
Suddenly, Genevieve was snapped out of her thoughts as she saw a blue Toyota van pull up in her driveway. She gasped and ran to the kitchen window, her heart in her throat. This was it, her chance to be free. She watched as the car door opened and a woman stepped out.
In the kitchen, Genevieve took a deep breath and opened the front door, her heart pounding in her chest. This was her chance to finally break free from the abuse and start a new life.
The woman’s name was Rhonda Williams, and her confident demeanor belied the nervousness she felt in the pit of her stomach. She was a seasoned professional, having helped hundreds of women escape their abusive husbands. But each time she felt a sense of apprehension, as if this rescue would be different from all the others.
She looked up at the large house in front of her, surveying it with a critical eye. She had been watching this house for the last month, but today it looked a little different. Asides from the kitchen window, the curtains were drawn, and there was a feeling of stillness that was palpable.
Rhonda squared her shoulders, determined to see this rescue through. She had a job to do, and she was going to do it to the best of her ability. She reached into her pocket and retrieved a small device, checking it to make sure that it was working properly. It was a cell phone signal jammer. Arnold had several security cameras installed both inside and outside the house and she couldn’t have him interrupting her job.
She took a deep breath and started up the driveway, her heels clicking on the pavement. She was focused and determined, ready to do whatever it took to get the woman and her children to safety.
As she approached the door, she could feel her heart pounding in her chest. But she didn't let her nerves show. She was a professional, and she was going to get this job done. She rang the doorbell and stepped back, waiting for Genevieve to answer.
Genevieve anxiously opened the door, her hand shaking as she pulled back the latch. She was relieved to see Rhonda standing there, her confident demeanor and business suit a welcome sight. Genevieve had been dreading this day, but now that Rhonda was here, she felt a sense of relief wash over her.
Rhonda stepped inside, her eyes scanning the room. "Have you started packing?" she asked, her tone brisk and professional.
Genevieve shook her head, "No, you told me not to until you arrived."
Rhonda nodded, satisfied. "Good. Let's get started. We need to be fast and we need to make sure that we leave nothing behind that could be used against us."
Genevieve followed Rhonda into the nursery, her heart pounding in her chest. This was it, her chance to escape the abuse and start a new life. She watched as Rhonda opened the closet and started pulling out clothes and toys, efficiently packing them into large duffel bags.
Rhonda was a pro, and she knew exactly what she was doing. She worked quickly and efficiently, never losing her cool. Genevieve couldn't help but be grateful for her help. She knew that she couldn't have done this on her own.
The room was cluttered with items scattered everywhere, but the two women were making good progress. Suddenly, the sound of Genevieve's cell phone ringing interrupted their work. Genevieve glanced at the phone and saw that it was her husband, Arnold, calling. Her face paled as she answered the call, her voice shaky with fear.
Arnold's voice was sharp on the other end of the line. "Genevieve, why are all the security cameras down?" he demanded.
Genevieve's heart raced as she tried to think of a believable explanation. "The wifi connection is not working," she replied, her voice trembling. "I couldn't even watch TV."
Arnold was skeptical but still accepted his wife's explanation. "Well, get it fixed," he said curtly before hanging up the phone.
Rhonda placed a comforting hand on Genevieve's shoulder, noticing how shaken she was. "It's going to be okay," she whispered, "We'll get you out of here safely." Genevieve nodded, taking a deep breath as she tried to calm herself down. Despite the interruption, the two women continued packing.
Genevieve and Rhonda worked in silence for the next twenty minutes, carefully packing all of Genevieve's belongings into the duffel bags. They were determined to leave nothing behind that might give away her location to Arnold. But just as they were starting to feel a sense of relief, they heard a loud knock at the front door.
Genevieve's eyes widened in shock and she froze, her heart pounding in her chest. Rhonda quickly stepped in, taking Genevieve by the arm and leading her to the door. "It's okay," she whispered softly, "I'm here with you."
The knocking continued, growing louder and more persistent. Genevieve reluctantly made her way to the front door, her hand shaking as she reached for the handle. She hesitated for a moment, taking a deep breath before finally opening the door.
Genevieve opened the door to find her elderly neighbor, Mary, standing on the porch, looking concerned. "Hello, Genevieve," Mary said, her voice filled with worry. "I was cooking a roast and I saw a strange blue van in your driveway. Arnold just called me and asked if everything was okay."
Genevieve's heart raced as she tried to think of a plausible explanation for the van. She nervously replied, "Yes, everything is fine, Mary. The van belongs to Comcast, they're here to fix our wifi connection."
Mary raised an eyebrow skeptically, but before she could ask any more questions, Genevieve added, "We've been having some issues with our internet, and I'm really looking forward to getting it fixed."
Mary nodded, but Genevieve could tell that she wasn't completely convinced. Mary was one of the few people in the neighborhood who knew about Arnold's abusive behavior, and Genevieve was grateful for her concern.
After a few more awkward exchanges, Mary finally said goodbye and made her way back to her own home. Genevieve closed the door, feeling relieved but also worried. She knew that she couldn't let anyone get in the way of her escape plan, especially not Arnold.
She quickly turned to Rhonda, who was waiting in the living room surrounded by packed duffel bags. "We need to get out of here as soon as possible," Rhonda said. "Arnold could come back at any moment."
Genevieve nodded in agreement, her heart racing with a mixture of fear and determination. She gathered her children, Todd and Amy, and made sure they were both securely fastened in their car seats. Rhonda and Genevieve quickly loaded the rest of their belongings into the van, trying to be as quiet and discreet as possible. They didn't want to draw any attention to themselves, lest they gave up some clue to their destination.
As they drove away from the house, Genevieve couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness and loss. She had lived in that house for many years, but it had become a place of fear and abuse, a prison that she desperately needed to escape.
But despite her sadness, she felt a sense of hope and excitement as she thought about her future. With Rhonda by her side, she felt confident that she could create a new life for herself and her children, one filled with love and safety.
As they drove through the quiet streets of their neighborhood, Genevieve and Rhonda were silent, each lost in their own thoughts. Neither of them had any inkling of the storm that was about to hit their lives.
CHAPTER TWO
Genevieve was ringing up a customer's purchase at Target when she first laid eyes on Arnold. He was tall and well-built, with broad shoulders and piercing blue eyes. Genevieve felt intimidated by him at first, but she couldn't deny the strange attraction she felt towards him.
As she handed him his change, Arnold made a comment about her smile and how it lit up the room. He was flirtatious, and before Genevieve knew it, he was asking for her phone number. Despite her nerves, Genevieve found herself blushing and scribbling down her number on a piece of paper for him.
As Arnold walked away from the register, Genevieve couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and fear. On one hand, she was flattered by his attention and couldn't help but feel drawn to him. But on the other hand, she felt that he was dangerous.
The phone rang and Genevieve answered with a tentative "Hello?"
"Hi, Genevieve, it's Arnold," the deep voice on the other end of the line said.
"Arnold? Oh, hi," Genevieve replied, taken aback by the call. She hadn't expected to hear from him.
"I hope I'm not interrupting anything. I just wanted to catch up and see how you're doing," Arnold said, his voice smooth and confident.
"I'm good, just working at Target," Genevieve answered, feeling a bit nervous.
"That's great. Listen, I was thinking about you and I was wondering if you'd like to go out for dinner sometime this week?" Arnold asked, his tone casual yet assertive.
Genevieve was taken aback. She had been intrigued by Arnold when she first met him at Target, but she had largely put the encounter out of her mind. Now, here he was, asking her out on a date.
She hesitated for a moment, considering her options. Part of her was curious about Arnold and what he might be like outside of Target, but another part of her was wary.
In the end, Genevieve made a split-second decision. "Sure, I'd love to go out for dinner with you," she said, her voice steady.
"Great, how about we meet at Luigi's Italian Restaurant on Friday at 7?" Arnold asked.
"That sounds good," Genevieve agreed, still a bit stunned by what she had just agreed to.
As she hung up the phone, Genevieve felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. She had just agreed to go out on a date with a man she barely knew. But at the same time, she couldn't help but feel a flutter of anticipation in her chest. What would this date with Arnold be like?
She wondered. Would they hit it off and have a great time, or would it be awkward and uncomfortable? Only time would tell, but Genevieve was determined to be optimistic and keep an open mind.
She busied herself with work, trying to push the thoughts of her date to the back of her mind. But as Friday approached, she found herself growing more and more nervous. She spent hours getting ready, trying on different outfits and fussing with her hair.
Finally, the day of the date arrived, and Genevieve made her way to Luigi's Italian Restaurant. As she walked through the door, she saw Arnold waiting for her at a table, dressed in a sharp suit and looking every bit the gentleman.
"You look beautiful," he said, rising to greet her.
Genevieve felt her nerves ease as Arnold took her hand and led her to the table. The night was filled with good food, laughter, and engaging conversation. Genevieve couldn't believe how well their date was going. It was like they had known each other for years.
As the night came to a close and they said their goodbyes, Genevieve found herself feeling hopeful and excited for what was to come. She was finally taking a chance and allowing herself to be open to new possibilities. This could be the start of something great, she thought as she walked to her car, a smile on her face.
Genevieve and her friend, Meg were sitting in the park on a sunny afternoon, enjoying their lunch. As they chatted and caught up on each other's lives, Genevieve felt a nervous excitement build inside of her. She had been holding back the news of her new relationship with Arnold for a few weeks now, and she finally felt ready to share it with a friend.
"Meg, there's something I've been meaning to tell you," Genevieve said, taking a deep breath. "I've been seeing someone new."
"Really? That's great! Who is he?" Meg asked, her eyes lighting up with excitement.
"His name is Arnold," Genevieve said, a smile spreading across her face. "I met him a six weeks ago at work. We've been seeing each other for about a month now."
Meg's eyes widened in surprise. "A month already? That's amazing! So, tell me everything. What's he like? What do you guys do together?"
Genevieve laughed. "Well, he's older than me, but he's just so kind and thoughtful. He's always making me feel special and I just enjoy being around him so much. We like to go out to dinner and see movies. He even took me on a weekend trip to the coast, it was so beautiful."
Meg nodded, a look of approval on her face. "It sounds like things are going really well between you two. I'm so happy for you, Genevieve. You deserve to find someone who treats you with the love and respect that you deserve."
Genevieve felt a warmth spread through her chest at Meg's words.
CHAPTER THREE
The sun was setting on the horizon, casting an orange glow over the fields and the distant hills. Genevieve sat in the passenger seat of the van, her children snuggled up against her. They were exhausted from the stressful escape and the long drive, but they were also safe and together, and that was all that mattered.
Rhonda was focused on the road, her eyes scanning for any signs of danger. She had done this many times before and knew the drill. She took several turns, doubled back, and changed directions to throw off anyone who might be following them. Her years of experience and training as with law enforcement had made her an expert in helping women escape abusive situations.
As they drove, Genevieve let out a sigh of relief and looked out the window at the passing fields. She was grateful to Rhonda for risking her own safety to help her and her children. She knew it wasn't going to be easy, starting a new life and leaving everything behind, but at least they were free from the constant fear and violence they had lived with for so long.
The van continued down the highway, the bright lights of the city slowly fading into the distance. Genevieve closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath and feeling a sense of peace wash over her. She clutched her children tighter, grateful to have them with her. She knew the journey ahead would be difficult, but with Rhonda's help, she felt hopeful for the first time in a long time. She turned to Rhonda, who was still focused on the road ahead, and whispered a quiet thank you. Rhonda nodded, a small smile on her face, and reached over to give Genevieve's hand a reassuring squeeze.
As the miles passed by and the city lights faded into the darkness, Genevieve felt a weight-lifting from her shoulders. She was no longer a victim, but a survivor. She had escaped from the abuse and violence, and was on her way to a new life filled with hope and promise.
Eventually, Rhonda took an exit and reached a small town called Springville. As Rhonda navigates the van through the quiet streets of Springville, Genevieve looks out the window in awe. The town is so different from the bustling city of Chicago, where she spent the past few years of her life trapped in an abusive marriage. She sees quaint, Victorian-style homes dotted along tree-lined streets, with well-manicured lawns and bright flowers in the gardens.
Rhonda pulls the van into a parking lot and Genevieve sees that they have arrived at a small apartment building. It's not much to look at, with chipped paint and a slightly worn appearance, but Genevieve is just grateful to have a roof over her head and a place to stay.
As they step out of the van, Rhonda gives Genevieve a warm smile and hands her the keys to the apartment. "This is it," she says. "It's not much, but it's a place for you to call home for now. I've already stocked the kitchen and there's a grocery store just a few blocks away."
Genevieve takes the keys, her hands shaking with a mixture of nervousness and excitement.
As they walk into the apartment, Genevieve is struck by how simple and cozy it is. There's a small kitchen with a table and chairs, a living room with a comfortable couch, and two bedrooms one of which contained a small racecar bed for Todd and a crib for Amy. Everything is clean and orderly, and there's a sense of peace and safety that Genevieve has never felt before.
She turns to Rhonda, tears in her eyes, and whispers a quiet thank you. Rhonda gives her a hug and nods, a knowing look in her eyes. "I know it's not much," she says, "but it's a start. And with time, you'll be able to make it your own. You can stay here for six months but I recommend moving after that."
Genevieve nods, still taking in the peaceful atmosphere of the apartment. "I can't thank you enough," she says. "This is more than I ever could have hoped for."
Rhonda gives her a reassuring smile. "You and your children deserve to be safe and happy," she says. "And I'm here to help in any way I can. I'll be checking in on you regularly to make sure you have everything you need."
Genevieve feels a weight lift from her shoulders. She knows that it's going to be a long road ahead, but she feels ready to face it with Rhonda's support. And as she looks around the small but cozy apartment, she feels a sense of pride. This may not be her dream home, but it's a place where she and her children can begin to heal and start anew.
"Listen, Rhonda, I have been meaning to ask you. I have just been so grateful for all your help that I haven't asked how do I pay you for all your help?"
"Payment?" laughed Rhonda. "You don't have to worry about that. I have been paid."
Genevieve was dumbfounded and immediately blurted out "By whom?"
"You don't have to worry about that." smiled Rhonda.
"Let's just say our organization vets our clients very thoroughly and we only take on those who really need our help. The people who pay us make sure that money is never a problem for those who need our services."
Organization? This was the first that Genevieve had heard about that. She just wanted to get away from Arnold so badly that she had never considered who might be behind her daring escape. She was filled with a mix of emotions - gratitude, relief, and confusion. "I don't know what to say," she said to Rhonda. "I'm just so grateful for all you've done for us. But I don't understand how this organization works, or who they are. I want to help in any way I can."
Rhonda gave Genevieve a kind smile. "I understand," she said. "It's a lot to take in. The organization I work for is a group of dedicated individuals who are committed to helping women and children escape abusive situations. We don't publicize who we are or how we're funded, because we don't want to put ourselves or our clients in danger. All you need to know is that we're here to help, and that you don't have to worry about paying us."
Genevieve nodded, still trying to process everything. "Thank you," she said, giving Rhonda a hug. "I'm just so grateful for everything you've done for us."
Rhonda returned the hug, and then stepped back, her expression serious. "Genevieve, I need you to listen to me," she said. "You're not safe yet. Arnold will be looking for you, and it's important that you stay hidden. You can't contact anyone from your old life, not even your friends or family. It's not safe for them, or for you. Do you understand?"
Genevieve nodded, fear creeping into her heart. "I understand," she said. "We'll be careful."
Rhonda gave her a nod of approval. "Good," she said. "And remember, I'll be checking in on you regularly. You're not alone in this, Genevieve. I'm here to help, no matter what. It’s been a long day. So, get some rest and I will return in the morning to walk you through your new identity and job." And with that, Rhonda turned to leave.
Genevieve watched her go, feeling a mix of gratitude and confusion. She had so many questions, but she knew they could wait for another time. Right now, she just needed to be thankful for the help Rhonda had given her and her children. She turned to Todd and Amy, who were exploring the apartment with wide-eyed wonder, and felt a wave of love and determination wash over her.
It was the kitchen that caught Genevieve's eye. The sun was setting, and the orange and pink hues filtering through the windows illuminated the counters, casting a warm glow over the room.
As the night settled in, Genevieve ran a warm shower and stepped in, letting the water wash over her. As she closed her eyes, she couldn't help but notice the numerous scars that adorned her skin, a constant reminder of the abuse she suffered at the hands of her husband, Arnold. The bruises on her arms and legs, the cuts on her back, and the burn marks on her chest were all physical evidence of the torment she had endured. Tears streamed down her face as she clutched the soap, scrubbing her skin with a desperate need to cleanse herself of the pain. In that moment, Genevieve made a promise to herself and to her children to never let anyone hurt her again.
Genevieve stepped out of the shower and patted herself dry with a soft towel. Her mind filled with a mix of emotions. While she was relieved to be away from Arnold, she couldn't help but wonder what he would do when he returned home and found that she and the children were gone.
She walked into her small bedroom and opened the large duffel bag that contained all of her clothes. Her eyes fell upon a simple nightdress and she carefully picked it out, slipping it over her head. As she ran her fingers through her damp hair, she couldn't help but think of Arnold's reaction when he realized she was gone. Would he be angry? Would he search for her? The thoughts made her heart race, and she took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. But then she remembered the reasons why she left, the constant fear she lived in, and the bruises that adorned her body. She couldn't let Arnold control her life any longer.
Genevieve walked into the children's bedroom, a smile spreading across her face at the sight of her two sleeping children. Todd was snuggled up in his racecar bed, his small fists gripping the covers tightly, while Amy was nestled in her crib, her tiny hands curled into fists.
Genevieve approached Todd's bed and sat down beside him, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. She leaned in and whispered, "Hey buddy, are you awake?"
Todd stirred, his eyes slowly opening. He looked up at Genevieve and rubbed his eyes, a sleepy smile spreading across his face. "Hi, Mommy," he said in a soft voice.
"Hi, sweetie," Genevieve said, her heart swelling with love. "I just wanted to tuck you in and say goodnight."
"Where's Daddy?" Todd asked, looking around the room.
Genevieve took a deep breath, unsure of how to explain the situation to her young son. She decided to keep it simple and said, "Daddy had to go away for a little while. But you and Amy and I are going to be okay. We have a new home now, and we're going to be happy here."
"Okay, Mommy," Todd said, his eyes already closing as sleep overtook him.
Genevieve leaned in and planted a soft kiss on his forehead, her heart filled with love for her children. As she walked over to Amy's crib and tucked her in, she couldn't help but feel grateful for this fresh start.
Arnold stumbled through the door of his empty home, a sense of unease creeping over him. He called out for his wife and children, but there was no answer. He walked from room to room, searching for any sign of them, but the house was eerily quiet.
As he reached the children's bedroom, he realized that their toys and clothes were gone. Panic began to set in, and he tore through the rest of the house, throwing open drawers and closets, desperate for any sign of his family. But there was nothing. They were gone.
Arnold's mind raced as he tried to piece together what had happened. Had they left him? The thought filled him with rage.
He stumbled to the kitchen, his hands shaking as he reached for the phone. He dialed a number that was seared into his memory and waited for an answer.
"Hello?" a voice on the other end answered.
"It's Arnold," he said, his voice filled with urgency. "She's gone. She's taken the kids and she's gone."
There was a pause on the other end, and then the voice spoke again. "We'll help you find them, Arnold. Don't worry. We'll get to the bottom of this."
Arnold hung up the phone. He wasn't alone in this. He had resources, people who would help him track down his family and bring them back home where they belonged.