‘Sammy,’ he shouted now, more desperate. Other parents stared, two or three came over to him, looking concerned, willing to help.
He tried to explain to them, his words were shrill and panicked, ‘He was right here, right here, at the slide, I had his hand, and then I turned for a second and he had disappeared.’ He broke off and yelled again, ‘Sammy!’
He turned one way then the next as they questioned him: what colour of top did he have on? was he wearing a jacket? how tall was he? what age was he?
His world swam before his eyes. The park was so busy. It was a mild spring day, the first since the cold winter had faded away. It was a school holiday.
How long now? Five minutes, ten? Someone suggested he should call the police. He fumbled with his smartphone. Through sweat and tears he managed to dial and report his son missing. The operator took his details. Before he could finish the ‘phone was taken from his hand. He tried to grab it back.
A woman was leading him away, talking to him calmly. Through the haze and fear he caught her words.
‘It’s been three years, Robert, you can’t keep coming here and doing this over and over again. You have to let go. Let’s get you back to the house.’
Written for The Daily Post – Disappear prompt: write a new post to the one-word prompt. Click on the link to learn more about the challenge.
Horrifying.
LikeLiked by 1 person
An absolute worst nightmare as a parent I think, especially the not knowing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
When my kids were little, one of my sons disappeared. We spent an hour searching the neighborhood and were on the verge of calling the police when he popped out of a neighbor’s fifth wheel camper. He had a blast watching us look all around for him. I was glad he was safe, but I wanted to throttle him (needless to say, I didn’t).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Relief followed by anger I suspect. I’m sure he thought it was hilarious!
LikeLiked by 1 person
He’ll be 32 this year and still has the same crazy sense of humor.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
This was heartbreaking. Wonderful writing, Iain! I hope you’re planning to write a book one day? 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, and thanks for asking. Actually just completed editing a first attempt at a novel, so watch this space to see if I get anywhere with it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wish you the very best 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can’t imagine.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Neither could I.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Parent’s worst nightmare.
My question is the same as Kasturi’s – Are you going to write a book soon? Or put together a collection of your work?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Frances, a book in the works, nearing completion and about to send it out to agents and publishers to see if there is any interest. If not, I will self-publish, so watch this space I guess.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m ordering a copy as soon as it is available. Be warned: I will want to send you a self-addressed stamped envelope for your autograph/personalization.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, at least I know I have one sale then! 🙂
LikeLike
How sad! I went through a brief minute like that years ago with my first. She had walked a short distance from me and I lost her in a crowd. Fortunately she was actually very close by but the panic I felt at that moment was terrible.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have had that fleeting panic for a moment here and there, it would be unbearable to live with.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Poor parents, and worse for the mother, returning again and again, while Dad just relives that day in his mind. Great piece.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Stu, I can only imagine how anyone might recover psychologically from something like this.
LikeLike
Very moving piece
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Hester
LikeLike
oh god! you’ve done it again… shivers
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much.
LikeLike
Every parent’s worst nightmare. So sad he kept reliving it…………..
LikeLiked by 1 person
How could any parent recover from it? Thanks Di.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No-one expects to outlive their kids. Such heartache.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly, and in these circumstances even worse.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have you read (and/or seen) Ian McEwan’s ‘Child In Time” (1987)? This made me think of that, hit like a hammer with your final line.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have, a big fan of McEwan’s work. Also influenced by the excellent TV show ‘The Missing’, especially the first series.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Will look it up!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A parents worst nightmare, poor guy. Well written as always, Iain.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Brenda
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooooh so horrible and good at the same time. I thought perhaps they would find the child under the slide. You know a happy ending. LOL!
This one caught me off guard but it was a good twist, moved the heart. Can’t imagine the pain of those parents out there!
LikeLiked by 1 person
As I was writing I was caught between happy or sad ending – you can see which way I went in the end!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Its not your fault right, the fault of the pen. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Every parents nightmare and such a sad, unexpected ending.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for reading
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh hell. That is so distressing. Robert’s desperation were so clear and palpable; the fear and need to do something. And then the calm, the deflating explanation. One that gave me goose bumps.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Sarah Ann, nice to hear it had such an effect.
LikeLike
Oh my. This was gut wrenching, Iain. Well written.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Jennie
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Iain.
LikeLiked by 1 person