I hung up the phone, my hand trembling as I placed it back on the counter. My mind was a whirlpool of fear and confusion. What did she mean by that? How many other parents had called? What was happening at school that was making children rush home to clean themselves?
I grabbed my keys and headed out the door, my heart pounding with every step. The drive to the school was a blur, my mind racing with scenarios that I couldn’t bear to consider. Memories of Sophie’s cheerful face, her carefree laughter, and the innocence I had taken for granted flashed before me.
As I pulled into the school parking lot, I felt a strange mix of dread and determination. Whatever was happening, I needed to know. I needed to protect my daughter.
