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The room was completely decorated – comforter and bed set in a Mandalorian theme, colored walls and a border that matched along with curtains, a huge plush baby Yoda on his bed, bookshelf with Star Wars themed books geared toward his age group. I could go on and on. My heart nearly skipped a beat when he threw his arms around my waist and squealed, lifting his head as I wrapped him in a hug.
“Mama, this is amazing.”
“You’re right,” I whispered, holding him tight. “It’s the most amazing room I’ve ever seen.”
Noah let go and skipped inside, dropping the backpack that had every belonging he owned stuffed within. I couldn’t take more than that from the house or Chet would have noticed. There was a locker I’d placed the two backpacks that contained everything special I wanted to take with us. In the end, it wasn’t much. Things were just things and easily replaceable. At least what we left behind. Pictures, Noah’s baby book, identification, important documents, etc. were brought with us besides a few toys and clothes for Noah. The ghost retrieved them before we left Texas.
I sighed softly as I finished my tea. The house was quiet, and I nearly closed my eyes, exhaustion finally creeping in. I was just starting to nod off when my new phone chirped with an incoming text.
Unknown: This is ghost. I’m your new contact. How are you settling in?
Sparrow: Good. My son is sleeping. Unpacked the last box a few minutes ago.
Ghost: Nice. Take a little time to adjust. I’m sure you’re tired.
Sparrow: Yes. I can’t thank you enough.
Swallowing hard, I didn’t know how to say with words how grateful I was for all the help I’d been given.
Ghost: No problem at all. We do this because it’s right and we want to help.
Sparrow: You’re all angels. I’ll never forget this.
Ghost: Someday when you can, pay it forward. That’s all we want.
Sparrow: I will.
Ghost: Use this number if you ever need anything. I will keep you in my contacts.
Sparrow: Thank you.
Relieved, I knew I had someone to call in case of an emergency.
Ghost: No problem. Goodnight.
Sparrow: Goodnight.
When the conversation ended, I glanced down at the lavender colored iPhone that was purchased in full and service paid for a year. The only thing I had to pay for was groceries and toiletries. There were no worries though. Service for was set up in my new name and my identification was completed along with Noah’s. We kept our first names, but the last name had changed to protect our identity. We were now Bess and Noah Parker. I’d been Elizabeth prior to now and I never wanted to be called by that name again.
The next morning, I sat down to breakfast with my son. He was scarfing down eggs, bacon, and toast like he hadn’t eaten in days.
“Hey, Booga. What’s the rush? You’re going to choke.”
Noah giggled at the familiar nickname and swallowed. “Sorry, mama. I want to explore outside. Did you see all the paths and cactus and tumbleweed? I bet I can find a lizard to bring back home. Maybe an iguana.” His eyes lit up. “Can I keep a snake?”
I nearly spit out all my coffee. “No,” I replied sternly as his expression faltered, “but I might consider a lizard.”
Ugh. Why didn’t someone tell me boys were so dirty and gross? Or course I loved Noah, so it wasn’t that bad, but I was never having snakes, rats, or spiders in the house. Noah wanted a tarantula last year. No. Way.
“Remember we’re going to enroll you in school tomorrow. Don’t go far.”
Noah finished his plate and then stood. Before he left the table, he gave me a lopsided grin. “Can I be excused?”
“Yes. Don’t forget to brush your teeth before you go outside.”
He dropped the dishes into the sink, and I shook my head as he rushed from the kitchen. Five minutes later he was out the door, running down the driveway and off on an adventure.
A part of me wanted to run after him and force Noah to stay indoors. He was my entire world and if something ever happened to him, I didn’t know what I would do. I supposed most mothers felt that way but coming from a home filled with violence meant I was extra cautious and protective. I didn’t want him to live his life afraid of the world. He needed the freedom to experience life and I had to let him, even if I hated watching him run outside and out of sight.
