Emma Signed Over Her Kitchen Island to Keep Toby Safe in Massachusetts

pulled him tightly against me.

He smelled of pencil shavings, grape juice, and the cold autumn air.

“You are holding me very tight, Mom,” he whispered, his small hands resting on my shoulders.

“I just missed you today,” I said, smoothing the collar of his jacket.

“Did Dad call?” he asked, looking past me toward the parking lot.

“No, sweetheart,” I said.continue reading …