Page 237 of From Rivals to I Do

"I will, Henry. I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe," I promise, my voice filled with determination.

Reluctantly, I release him from my embrace and gather my things, preparing to face the unknown. Just as I reach the door, a pang of guilt washes over me, realizing my son needs his father and I feel so torn in this very moment. I scribble a quick note, with my work information instructing Henry and reminding him of my love before tucking it on the kitchen counter. Me and Karen cross paths as I exit the driveway, and I let her know that Henry is sad “Do not worry, we will be fine. Be careful” Karen responds.

Time becomes a blur as I navigate the chaotic streets, racing towards the source of the fire. The flashing lights and blaring sirens accompany my thoughts, each passing moment fueling the adrenaline flowing in my veins.

As I arrive at the scene, the acrid scent of smoke fills the air, mingling with the nervous energy of the firefighters around me. The flames dance, casting an eerie glow upon the night sky, a vivid reminder of the unpredictable forces that threaten to consume everything in their path.

My mind shifts into action mode, my training taking over as I join the team of firefighters, each of us working in sync to extinguish the inferno. Time slips away, measured in the beats of my racing heart and the adrenaline that courses through my veins.

Chapter seventeen

Chapter Seventeen

The eve of the art festival is upon us, and I can feel the weight of anticipation mingled with nerves settling deep within me as I stand in Maria's kitchen, the scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air.

As I carefully place the last tray of cookies into the oven, Maria leans against the counter, her eyes shimmering with curiosity. "So, about your painting for tomorrow, have you settled on a theme?" she asks, a playful smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

I release a nervous chuckle, wiping my flour-dusted hands on my apron. "Yes, I finally found the perfect theme. It's centered around the concept of 'Ephemeral Beauty.' I wanted to capture the fleeting nature of life and the fragile moments that hold profound meaning," I explain, my voice tinged with both excitement and self-doubt.

Maria's eyes widen with anticipation as she sets aside the cookie dough, giving me her full attention. "Ephemeral Beauty? That sounds fascinating. Tell me more about it."

I take a deep breath, trying to find the right words to convey the essence of my artistic vision. "Well, the central figure in the painting is a little boy holding on to his departing mother. It's a poignant moment frozen in time, capturing the bittersweet nature of our human experiences."

As I speak, I can feel the weight of emotion welling up within me, the intensity of my connection to the painting flowing through every word. "The little boy represents innocence and vulnerability, clinging onto the familiar warmth and safety of his mother's presence. He's hesitant to let go, to face the world without her."

Maria leans in closer. "And what about the mother? What does she symbolize in this piece?"

I pause, searching for the right way to articulate the complexities of the maternal figure in my painting. "The mother embodies both strength and transience. She represents the ephemerality of life, how our loved ones can slip through our grasp, leaving behind a profound sense of longing and loss."

A somber tone colors my voice as I continue, my gaze fixed on an imaginary horizon, "Yet, despite the sorrow, there's a sense of beauty in that fleeting moment. It's a reminder of the preciousness of our connections and the profound impact they have on shaping who we are."

"Maya, that's brilliant! Your piece will undoubtedly be the cynosure of attention at the festival tomorrow. You have a way of infusing depth and emotion into your art. Trust me, it's going to be perfect," Maria says, clapping her hands in admiration.

A wave of uncertainty washes over me. "Do you really think so? I've poured my heart into this painting, but I can't help but wonder if it's good enough, if it truly conveys the emotions I intended."

Maria places a hand on my shoulder. "Your talent is undeniable, and your dedication to your craft is inspiring. Trust in yourself and your artistic instincts. Your painting is perfect in its imperfections, and I'm certain everyone would love it."

Her words reassure me, yet, a thread of doubt lingers within me, weaving its way through my thoughts. I contemplate the hours spent in the studio, the strokes that created the piece and the final touches that brought the painting to life. Is it truly enough? Will it resonate with others the way it does within me?

Just then, the ringtone of my phone pierces the air, shattering the tranquility of the moment. I reach into my pocket, retrieving the device, and I see the caller ID, Karen, Henry's babysitter. I frown instantly, wondering if everything is all right.

With a quick apology to Maria, I answer the call, my voice brimming with concern. "Karen, what's wrong? Why are you crying?"

Karen's voice trembles, her words pouring out in a frantic rush. "Hello Maya, I can't find Henry. I have looked everywhere for him, but he's nowhere to be found. I have been trying to reach Jackson, but his line was unavailable. I don't know what to do!"

I grip the edge of the counter, my voice trembling as I respond, "All right, stay calm. How did this happen?" I inquire.

Karen's breath is ragged as she responds. "I came over after Jackson called, but I found the house empty. I've searched all over the house and even alerted the neighbors, but no one has seen him."

"Don't panic, I'm on my way. I'll be there in a moment."

As I hang up the phone, my mind races with fear. Has something bad happened to Henry? Has he been kidnapped? Thoughts of the art festival and my painting fade into insignificance as Henry's safety takes precedence. I turn to Maria, my voice choked with emotion. "Henry's missing, Maria. I need to go to him now. Please, can you come with me?"

Concern colors Maria's face, her hand instinctively reaching out to grasp mine. "Of course, Maya. I'll be right by your side. Let's find Henry together."

As I grab my purse to leave, my heart still trembling with worry, a shrill ring pierces the air once again. I stare at the screen, an unfamiliar number flashes on the display. Trembling, I answer the call, fear constricting my throat. "Hello? Who is this?"

"Is this Maya? I am Officer Stevens. There has been an accident. Jackson was severely burned in the fire he went to put out tonight. He is at the hospital. You need to come right away."

---