But I knew in my heart that someone out there would read this and go 'Oh my, God. That's my story--my life--'

It's the #1 reason why I didn't give the characters names because if I chose 2 random names like perhaps I called the father 'Jim' and the mother 'Sue' with a child named 'Lisa'--then the larger audience for whom it was written would be able to distance themselves from it and say 'No, it's not me.'

But by making the characters 'nameless' they could have been ANYBODY--you, me, the family down the street.

Of course, I will admit that the weirdness of the time thing is sorta freaky! I'm so glad your real life drama turned out to be what it was instead of what it could have been.

Having a child die is one thing--because eventually there will be a feeling of closure. But, for a child to simply vanish--I can think of no greater sorrow for a person to endure. (And honestly, as I wrote that last sentence I had the whole tears in the eyes and hair on my arm standing up sensation.)

So yes, this short story really is my worst nightmare.

At least up till the last. So far my children have all come home eventually.

You really caught the feeling of helplessness that goes through your mind when you don't know where your children are. and then when your greatest fear is realized.

Very well written.

Good luck on the contest.

You captured it very well, the moments ticking by ever so slowly, the way the parents turned on one another when desperation began to settle in. The way they seemed to sense something was amiss immediately but in denial of their own senses they ignored their inner voice and waited for the proof to be presented. In short you have captured the humanity of this terrible moment perfectly. Kudos!

No frickin' way. Just this May, went through a similar incident - the times in this story almost exactly match the times in our real life adventure. I didn't lose a child, but when I read this, I just kept freaking out.

What a great idea to include time frames.

Ours was more of an 'Hi dad, I've been arrested." thing. Each time you gave totally matched ours. I know, stupid, but even moreso, our child was arrested for throwing waterballoons at cars - ya - thought you'd get a laugh.

Anyhow, as mentioned Kids are the best! This is by far one of the best 'Missing child' stories I have ever read.

All my best!

That is every parent's nightmare for sure. I remember tossing and turning through the night, waiting to hear my son's key in the lock, imagining him dead in a ditch somewhere. Thank goodness it never happened.

You brought this fear to life very well. You expressed the emotions of the mother and father perfectly. Good luck!

I don't have kids but I can only imagine!

thanks, for a very gripping read. My heart went out to your characters. Well done!
Chris

Like Wendy said this was a page turner and it held my interest, good job.

Loved this. Couldn't stop turning the pages. You kept the tension rising, making it one of those stories where you just 'HAVE TO' know what happens in the end.
Great job. Completely suited to the theme as every parents worst nightmare.
Well done and good luck in the contest.
Wendy xx