Two weeks after sending my son Leo to his grandma’s for school break, I got a phone call that changed everything. It was my birthday, and I expected a cheerful message—but instead, I heard Leo’s terrified voice: “Save me, Mommy! I’m scared! I’m in a dark place… there’s a man with me—” Then the line went dead.
My heart nearly stopped. I called back immediately, but the number was disconnected. I tried my mother-in-law’s phone, but there was no answer. Without a second thought, I jumped in the car, tears blurring my vision as I raced toward her house.
When I arrived, the front door was unlocked, and the house was eerily silent. I stepped inside, calling out for Leo, but no one answered. On the kitchen counter, a folded note caught my eye. My hands trembled as I opened it to read the words: “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!”
Suddenly, people jumped out from behind furniture—Brandon, Leo, my in-laws, and friends—all shouting, “Surprise!” Leo ran into my arms, laughing. “Did I scare you, Mom? I practiced that voice for days!” Relief washed over me, quickly followed by shock and anger. Brandon apologized, “We just wanted to make your birthday unforgettable.” I looked at him, still shaking, and said, “Well, you did. But next time—just stick to cake and candles.”