Messages from Nowhere​

Summary

Ever since I got my own phone at five years old, I’ve been getting messages from a stranger.

She calls me Mom.

At three o’clock this morning, she messaged me again.

“Mom, I dreamed of you again. The attic is leaking, and my stepmom made me soak up the water with a rag. But the rag was too small. I’ve been wiping all night, but it’s still wet. Mom, I’m so cold and hungry right now. I miss you so much…”

I tilted my head, watching the rain lash against the windowpane, and typed back a serious reply:

“Don’t be scared, sweetie. Where are you? Mommy will bring you something yummy to eat!”