It was just a normal day at work. Busy, chaotic. I was running on three hours of sleep and one energy drink.
Then my phone buzzed. Six missed calls from Hannah. My 11-year-old daughter, my quiet kid, the one who apologizes to furniture if she bumps into it.
She never calls six times unless it’s important. I stepped into the supply room and called. She answered immediately.
“Mom,” her voice was small and tight, trying not to cry. “What’s wrong, sweetheart?”
“My key doesn’t work. It won’t go in.
I think they changed the lock.”
“They?”
“Grandma, maybe Aunt Brittany.”
I rubbed my forehead. “They wouldn’t change the lock without telling me.” A sniffle. “Can you come home?”
I glanced at the clock.
Another hour before I could leave. “Honey, right now we’re swamped. Try calling Grandma or Aunt Brittany.
They’re probably home.”
“I did,” she said quietly. “No one’s answering.”
“Keep trying. I promise someone will open the door soon.” When the call ended, I stood there, telling myself it was nothing.
A mix-up. An accident. Two hours later, I looked again.
Four more missed calls. One text: Mom, I think they’re here. Please come.
My stomach dropped. I called her. She picked up mid-sob.
“Mom, they won’t let me in.”
My voice came out sharp. “Who won’t?”
“Grandma. Aunt Brittany.
They came to the door. Grandma said we don’t live here anymore.”
I froze. “She told me to stop knocking.
She said I’m being dramatic.”
Something heavy and dark crawled through my chest. “Hannah, listen to me. Are you safe?”
“I’m under the porch light.
It’s still raining.”
“Okay. Stay right there. Don’t move.
I’m leaving now.”
I didn’t ask permission. I found my supervisor and said, “My daughter’s locked outside. Family emergency.” He started to argue, but one look at my face shut him up.
Five minutes later, I was in my car, scrubs still damp from sanitizer, rain hitting the windshield in furious streaks. I wasn’t a nurse anymore. I was just a mother, driving through a storm, white-knuckled and shaking.
By the time I pulled into the driveway, it was almost dark. Hannah was curled up on the porch, knees to her chest, hair soaked. I ran to her, grabbed her into my arms.
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