( Maria ☼)
Once I was sitting alone in the car. It was the beginning of winter, I was ordering at my usual coffee spot, when I suddenly heard noises coming from my car trunk. After some time I decided to check. My heart was pounding faster and faster with each passing second... As I opened it my eyes grew wide as I saw a four year old boy who was shaking from fear and pain like a little puppy. The little boy looked at me and said "Please...help me I want my daddy,"
As I helped him get out of the trunk. "Hey sweetheart what's your name, I'm Maria...do you know where your dad is?" I asked, worried.
His voice trembled as he spoke with unclear words, "My name is Autumn...very tall and scary took me to a scary place and lock me..."
After hearing his broken words I was flabbergasted, how could they do something this inhuman to a child?! I tried to get more information from Autumn, asking how he ended up here but fear consumed him making him unable to speak. I decided to take the little boy home with me to make sure he is safe and sound. I opened the door and welcomed him into the backseat.
"Hey Autumn, I'll take you to my house and take care of you for tonight, does that sound fine, sweetheart?" He nodded. I tried to make small talk but he was afraid. All I knew was that he was lost and kidnapped. Driving on the highway I looked in the mirror noticing that his clothes were really dirty and toned.
"Autumn, do you know who did this to you? You and I are friends now, you can tell me anything," I said concerned. He nodded fidgeting out of discomfort, I didn't push any further. He scanned the car every few seconds... scared that I'd increase the pain he was already in... his brown big dreamy eyes were tired... he was clearly sleepy but for him it never seemed safe to sleep.
When we arrived home his eyes lit up as he seemed more comfortable.
"Autumn," I said in a polite voice. He looked at me, still speechless. "You will stay with me for a few more days. Is that okay with you buddy?" I requested, while kneeling to him with a smile, trying to mask my worry. I was just 17 after all. I recently moved to my own apartment because that was my only way to solitude and peace. I called my boyfriend Lucas. He picked up quickly, as usual. But what sparked confusion was his worried tone. Lucas is a laid-back guy who speaks more than he acts.
"Just wait, I'll be there as soon as possible," He said from the other end of the phone. I started thinking of ways to earn Autumn's trust. I remembered having some clothes Lucas left in my apartment from his last visit. I spoke with Autumn again in a calm, gentle voice trying not to freak him out more than he already is.
"Are you cold?" he nodded then smiled at me for the first time... His smile lightened my heart, just like the sun. I could feel some relief after that smile... as if everything was going to be okay.
After a while, Autumn changed his clothes, which were huge on him but he looked adorable even though he was drowning in the long-sleeved hoodie. He spoke after being quiet the whole ride and not even telling me what he had witnessed. He said in a quiet voice " T-t-thank you f-for the clothes," I was happy and relieved that he finally spoke. It showed he was beginning to trust me. I tried to act like it wasn't a big deal, but deep down, I was just grateful that he was safe and sound. "You're so welcome, buddy. You're safe now, okay?" I said, doing my best to comfort him.
A few minutes later Lucas arrived, he kneeled to Autumn's level, speaking in a calm voice I had never heard. "Hi little one, you are Autumn right? I'm Lucas," Autumn looked at Lucas and gave him a heartwarming look, Autumn never gave me this look even though it was me who saved him. The look of trust I've never reserved for anyone.