Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 37

"Wake up, Lucas, it's time to leave," Emily whispered as quietly as she could. The little boy slowly opened his eyes.

"Is it time for school?" he asked, still groggy.

"There hasn't been school for months now," she explained. "You're in the big bad scary guy's house, remember?"

"Yes!" Lucas exclaimed.

"Shhh," Emily tried to shush him. "Lower your voice, we have to leave now."

"Is this an escape?" Lucas wondered aloud, his voice enthusiastic. "Like escaping from the bad guys in the movies?"

"Yes, just like that. Mum has mapped out an escape plan. All we need to do is walk out through the back door like nothing happened," she said, wiggling the bunch of keys in her hands.

"Huh?"

"I'll explain later."

"But Mummy, is he really my daddy?"

"I'll explain later," she repeated. "Let's go, and don't take anything from this house."

The pair walked to the kitchen, and Emily tried to open the door without making much noise. He was still unconscious, and she had made an emergency call to his people, but anything could happen. As she tried to open the door, she felt the key holder rub against her wedding ring. She paused and stared at it. She had grown so attached to it that it felt like a part of her, but she didn't need it anymore. She wanted to move on. She gently took it off and placed it on the kitchen counter before pushing the door open and leading Lucas out of the house.

The night was cold as usual, and the streets were empty. They were going to have to walk, and Donna's house was nowhere near; they might walk until morning.

"On my back," Emily said, squatting to carry Lucas.

She walked for miles in the freezing cold before coming across an open shop. 24/7.

She entered with Lucas, and the warmth immediately made her feel relieved. She noticed the employee on duty staring at her.

"Hi," she said, taking out money from her pocket. "Mind if we spend the night here? My destination is very far, and I have a toddler with me."

"This is how thieves operate," the lady said, picking up a knife from the table.

"I'm not a thief; I'm just unfortunate to be in this situation right now." Emily lifted up her hands to signify harmlessness.

The storekeeper gently put down her knife after a long stare at Emily and Lucas.

"Please, I beg you in the name of God, we just need a place to lay our heads."

"There's a storeroom in the back. I'll take you there," the storekeeper said reluctantly. "But you have to leave before daybreak."

"Thank you so much, I'm grateful," Emily said, bowing.

She was led to a room full of brooms. She watched the storekeeper walk away before finding a spot to rest.

She stared at her fingers. For the first time in over eight years, her ring finger was bare. Looking at Lucas asleep, his head resting on her thighs, she began to cry, trying to hush the sound to prevent him from waking up.

#%[#[}[^*[#]

"Honestly, Mark, are you fine?" Joe asked, his eyes fixed on his son, who stared out the window of his sitting room.

"I'm okay, Dad," Mark finally replied after a long silence.

"Well, we got a distress call early this morning. The voice was a bit static and hasty, but it said you needed help," Joe said, catching a glimpse of Brittany staring at Mark worriedly with a glass of water in her hands.