Isabella and Marco suspected something was wrong when their son’s teacher called with concerns. Nothing could have prepared them for what they found, forcing them to make a life-changing choice to safeguard their kid. Isabella and Marco met in culinary school over their love of Italian food and Tuscan heritage.
Their relationship went beyond recipes and culinary experiments by graduation. They fell in love, started a life, and created a little restaurant that became the town’s hub. They had their son Leo after many successful business years.
Isabella and Marco put Leo in daycare at three to help him acclimate to social situations and because their restaurant was busier than ever due to internet reviews and social media buzz. “We can’t do everything anymore,” Isabella said after a lengthy shift, falling into a chair. “We need help—with Leo and the house.”
Marco nodded assent.
What about Clara’s daughter? Mia is home all the time and could use the work.”
They lived next to Clara, whose daughter Mia had finished high school but wasn’t going to college. She seemed local, known, and responsible.
Mia accepted the job readily. Her job was to pick up Leo from daycare every afternoon and watch him until Isabella and Marco arrived at 9 p.m. Marco informed her, “He’s a sweet, quiet kid,” on day one.
“Just keep him safe and happy.”
After someone helped, everything fell into place. Isabella could breathe for the first time in months as restaurant business soared. Knowing Mia was with Leo gave her peace of mind, even if being apart from him was hard.
They were working hard for him. Isabella got a stomach-wrenching call a week into the new arrangement. “Hi, Mrs.
Russo. Leo’s daycare instructor is Ms. Denise.
Not to frighten you, the lady added softly, “but something’s been happening the past few days that I think you should know about.”
Isa held her breath. “Go on.”
Leo is typically happy. He enjoys daycare and plays with the other kids all day.
But the past three afternoons, when Mia picks him up, he cries. Real sobbing, not tantrums. I witnessed it.
I felt you should hear it from me.”
Isabella froze at the call. Little Leo wasn’t fussy. He patiently waited when she and Marco were late taking him up.
This response was unusual and worrisome. She told Marco that night, and he attempted to be cool. Maybe he misses us?
Recently, he only sees us in the mornings and at night.”
“Maybe,” Isabella said, but she knew it was more. That night, she put Leo to bed and softly tested the waters. “Did you enjoy daycare today?” she said, pulling the blanket to his chin.
Leo smiled. “Yes! I played with Freddie and Patrick.
We built a block castle.”
And Ms. Denise? Do you like her?
“She’s nice. With riddles, she always helps.”
Isabella grinned. So far, so good.
She then leaned in. “What about Mia? Do you li
What happened next changed everything…
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