My son, 4, vanished in the mall.

of the park, half in shade, half in sunlight. Same dark coat. Same calm posture. Her hair is tied back. She does not move, only watches my son sway back and forth on the swing. The world narrows until there is only her and me and the space between us.

I walk toward her, my steps stiff. “Who are you?” My voice shakes despite my effort.

She turns to face continue reading …