The hospital called and said a little boy had listed me as his emergency contact. I laughed nervously and said, “That’s impossible. I’m 32, single, and I don’t have a son.” But when they told me he wouldn’t stop asking for me, I drove there… and the moment I walked into his room, my world stopped…

“To you.”

The room tilted slightly around me.

Ethan reached for his backpack with his uninjured hand and pulled out an envelope.

“My mom said not to open this unless I got scared.”

My name was written across the front in Julia’s handwriting.

Claire.

Hands shaking, I opened it.

Claire,

If Ethan found you, it means I ran out of time.

I owe you an apology bigger than this letter. You were right about Daniel. About all of it.

He found us again.

I tried to keep Ethan safe on my own, but I can’t anymore. Please don’t let Daniel take him. Call Detective Ryan Cole at the number below. He knows enough to help.

You don’t owe me anything after the way I treated you. But years ago, you saw the truth when everyone else chose comfort instead.

I’m asking you to see my son now.

—Julia