Rain hammered the tin roof when he appeared at my door—soaked, trembling, cradling a boy who looked about eight. “Please,” the stranger rasped, “just five minutes.” I should’ve said no. I had nothing—no money, no locks that worked, no reason to trust anyone. But the child lifted his head and whispered, “Sister… you finally found me.” My stomach dropped. I’d never seen him before. Then the man shoved a damp envelope into my hands. “Whatever you do,” he hissed, “don’t open it until the thunder stops.” And outside—someone started knocking back.
Rain hammered the tin roof when he appeared at my door—soaked, trembling, cradling a boy who looked about eight. “Please,” the stranger rasped, “just five minutes.” I should’ve said no. I had nothing—no money, no locks that worked, no reason to trust anyone. My name’s Mia Carter, and the only thing between me and the…
