But no one had.
Someone called 911.
The paramedics arrived quickly, but the moment they entered the bedroom, their faces changed. They moved quietly. Carefully.
When there is still hope, people run.
When hope is gone, people become gentle.
A young paramedic looked at Maya.
“How long had he been alone?”
Maya couldn’t answer.
Mrs. Linda whispered:
“Three days.”
The paramedic looked away.
The police arrived shortly after.
They asked Maya where she had been.
“At a lake house,” she said.
“Who was watching the baby?”
No answer.
“Why didn’t you answer your neighbor’s calls?”
Maya stared at the floor.
“I didn’t want to deal with it.”
That sentence brought silence over the room.
Mrs. Linda looked at her as if she was seeing her for the first time.
“You didn’t want to deal with your own son?”
Maya cried, but no one moved to comfort her.
