Family Barbecue
Hoping to break the tension, Emily planned a weekend barbecue. The backyard buzzed with chatter and the aroma of grilled food as everyone gathered. “Tyler’s kids will be here too,” Emily mentioned, and I nodded while hiding my reluctance. As laughter filled the air, I reminded myself of my goal: to keep a watchful eye on Jake and Noah. If anything unusual happened, I would be ready to catch it in the act.

Family Barbecue
Parental Concerns Dismissed
As the barbecue carried on, I overheard Tyler chatting with another parent. “Kids are just kids. No need to fuss so much,” he said with a laugh, sipping from his drink. His casual dismissal grated on me, especially while I kept Jake and Noah in my peripheral vision, whispering and scheming in their usual way. Tyler’s carefree approach only deepened my unease. The more he brushed it off, the more determined I became to take Sarah’s safety into my own hands.

Parental Concerns Dismissed

