Evening Uncertainty

When the day at the park wound down, Javier couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. The family returned to their cottage—the familiar cocoon of home feeling almost suffocating.

Javier took a moment to himself in the bathroom, staring at his reflection, the weight of secrecy pressing heavily against his chest. He replayed the day’s events and Maria’s probing questions, a silent battle waging within him.

His phone buzzed, startling him back to the present. He quickly grabbed it, hoping for a message from Sharla. As he unlocked the screen, he saw a text, but it wasn’t from her. Instead, it was a notification about the neighborhood group message—a thread of chatter among families—and then the name that sent a chill down his spine.

“Maria, did you see the neighborhood gossip thread?” the text read from one of their mutual friends. “Some folks are talking about suspicious activity at the festival. People are starting to connect the dots.”

His heart raced. “What do you mean?” came another reply. “I heard there’s been talk of affairs happening, people needing to be cautious. You know how it is!”

“OMG, I heard that too! We should be on the lookout!”

Javier felt dizzy as he read through. Thoughts spiraled in desperation. Were they beginning to catch onto him? The tension clenched in his gut like a vice. He quickly locked his phone, his hands shaking slightly.

“Mama, are we going to the beach tomorrow?” Lucas's voice cut through, igniting Javier’s attention once again.

“Yeah! I think that sounds like a great idea!” Maria replied cheerfully, pulling both kids into a hug. “Can we just agree that tomorrow will be a family fun day? No work talk or worries.”

“Of course, I promise!” Javier said, though the promise felt strained beneath the weight of his circumstances.