Amber
Hey baby bro. How have you been? We haven’t talked in a while.
Amber
It sucks that I’m so far away for college because I heard you killed it at your last game a few weeks ago.
Amber
Luca? What is it? You okay? You’re not still made at me for leaving for school are ya buddy?
Luca
No. Mom and Dad are fighting again.
Amber
Like yelling fighting?
Luca
Yeah. What other kind of fighting?
Amber
Nothing. They could be not talking to each other or something.
Luca
I heard like a squishy thud sound. A couple of times. Like on TV when people are fighting each other.
Amber
What do you think that was?
Luca
IDK I went to go peak and Dad saw me and said mom fell down the stairs.
Luca
It didn’t sound like when she did the last few times though.
Amber
I’m sorry buddy. Did you see mom? Was she ok?
Luca
Only a little. Dad was in front of her. He yelled at me for not staying in my room.
Luca
Mom didn’t say anything. She didn’t even move.
Amber
Okay well do that. Stay in your room and don’t do anything but talk to me.
Amber
Get out a book or something and if Dad comes in just pretend to read.
Luca
Why? That would be lying and I could get in trouble more.
Amber
I don’t want him to get mad at you anymore.
Amber
You just need to trust that as your big sister I love you and I won’t let anyone hurt you.
Luca
Who would want to hurt me Amber?
Amber
No one buddy. And no one will.
Luca
I think everything is okay now. Daddy’s friends’, Will and James are here now.
Amber
What is mom doing? Don’t get caught looking and don’t leave your room.
Luca
She’s taking a nap on the couch.
Amber
She never does that. Where is Dad?
Luca
He’s outside with his friends? What’s wrong?
Amber
Nothing but I need you to listen to me carefully...
Amber
quickly and quietly go to mom and hold her wrist and tell me if you feel something.
Luca
I know what a pulse is. Moms not dead. You’re acting strange.
Amber
Do it Luca! Then go back to your room alright.
Luca
Amber I’m scared. I didn’t feel one.
Amber
Check her breathing. See if you feel air coming from her nose.
Luca
Nothing! Nothing at all! What do I do? Dad is gonna think I did this. Is she going to be okay Amber?
Amber
Just stay calm for me sweetie. Go to your room and turn on the TV alright.
Amber
Stay calm. He is going to come in to check on you soon. Just keep watching TV
Luca
He came in just now. He didn’t say anything just looked around.
Amber
Good. You’re going to need to go to the train station.
Luca
Why? I don’t know how to ride the train. Dad is going to be mad at me Amber. You’re not even here.
Amber
Just listen to me Luca. I’m trying to keep you safe.
Luca
From what? Does someone want to kidnap me?
Amber
Yes! And you can’t tell Dad because they said so. So listening to me is how you don’t get kidnapped ok.
Luca
I’m going to be brave like a super hero Amber. I promise. I’m going to sneak out through the back.
Luca
I’ll text you when I get there.
Amber
Okay. Stay safe. When you get there get on the red line. It will say it is going to Doraville.
Amber
When you get there come out the front of the train station and take a right to keep going straight.
Amber
3 blocks down you will see a red brick building on the left with no signs. It’s a home for abuse victims.
Amber
Call me and I will explain everything to them.
Luca
You think mom was abused?
Amber
We will talk about it later. Just stay alert. I’ve got your back little man.
Luca
I’m on the train now. I don’t see anyone weird.
Luca
Amber!!! They’re here. They’re sitting right across from me.
Luca
Mom is leaning on one of them. She probably came to look for me.
Amber
My God! He is truly sick. Stay calm. Pretend like you don’t see them.
Luca
Should I move away? You don’t want me to help mom?
Amber
We will just trust me. On the next stop get off at the last minute and catch the next train going in the same direction.
Luca
They know it’s me. They’re pointing at me. Will just picked up mom’s hand and waved it at me.
Luca
Amber can you just come get me?
Luca
I can’t do this. Can’t we call the police?
Amber
We can, but not yet. You have to get to that place. They will help you to get to me.
Amber
I’m not really away at college I’m only 16 Luca.
Amber
Dad did the same thing to my real mom. I know how to help you. Just stay brave and trust me.
Luca
Alright. I’m on the next train. Why didn’t you tell me before? And what did he do?
Amber
You’re my little brother. I have to protect you. But we will talk about it later. Just do as I said. Doraville station.
Amber
Luca It’s been almost an hour. It doesn’t take this long. Let me know you’re okay.
Amber
Luca. Where are you? Are you in a bad service area or in one of those tunnels?
Amber
At least type something so I know you’re okay.
Amber
It’s okay. I’m just relieved you’re alright.
Amber
Did you make it to the place I told you about?
Luca
Yeah. Dad was there.
Luca
I’m in the trunk now. He said he knows I had help and if it was you to tell you goodbye from me and he will see you soon.
Amber
Luca. Where are you? Kick out a tail light. Luca! Don’t give up.
Luca
I feel really light headed. He hit me before he put me in here. I’m bleeding a lot too.
Amber
You aren’t alone. I love you Luca. Just think about that. Don’t be afraid.
Luca
I know I’m not alone. Mom is back here too. She’s asleep again though.
