SIERRA'S LEONE

DAYCARE

Sierra stopped her wake-up reminder and got up. She stretched; it was routine. She got up, went to Leone's room to check on him, which was also standard.

What was not part of her everyday ritual was finding Leone's crib empty.

Sierra's heart leaped, she rushed to the living room. The convertible was still unfolded, but Jonas wasn't there. Sierra's heart raced as she imagined the nightmare scenario where the man kidnapped his son.

Her thoughts would have continued to escalate with negative reviews if it wasn't for the giggle she heard coming from her kitchen.

Sierra hurried there, and she found Leone happily drinking his milk while Jonas made funny faces.

"Morning, Sierra."

The woman grimaced and went straight to grab Leon from his high chair, "why did you wake him?"

Jonas placed a solemn hand on his chest, "I didn't, I heard him cry, so I went and got him. I thought you could use a little more sleep. I wanted to--."

"Don't, don't do things like that. You said you wouldn't interfere."

Even though the woman attempted to keep her composure in check, her voice trembled, and Jonas recognized perhaps he jumped a few stages too soon.

"Listen, Sierra, I told you. I'm not your enemy. I've been here for a week, and I've seen run about like a goose. I just want to help out if I can."

"I don't need any help. You won't be here forever."

"Yeah, that's why I want to make myself useful. You need to sleep; you can't be waking up every night."

Jonas had observed her; the woman barely slept. Sierra dedicated a hundred, no, a thousand percent of her time to making sure Leone was safe and happy. She was overprotective, in Jonas' opinion.

"Leone didn't wake up last night, though," Sierra said.

"He did, Sierra, but you were too exhausted to hear. I took him."

Sierra's eyes grew wide, and before she could speak, Jonas interjected, "Sierra, don't worry. My opinion on whether you can raise him or not won't diminish because you failed to get up. You're alone. For me, you're a single parent, and no normal person can expect more than what you're doing. I just want to relieve you a little, so please accept that I help you while I'm here."

The woman's eyes fixed a spot behind Jonas. He noticed she did that a lot when she reflected. Jonas hoped Sierra would agree, and she wanted to accept, but fear held her back.

Sierra was terrified at the idea that Jonas might create a strong bond with Leone.

"I want to be close to him," Jonas said as though the man heard.

"The closer you get to him, the harder it will be for you to let go."

"I'll keep my word, Sierra. I'll leave after six months if it all goes well."

"It's not your word I'm afraid of; It's Leone's longing for you."

"Sierra, we're not there yet. Let me help you, please."