Unheeded Warnings

�Mama�?�

The eight-year old lingered in the doorway uncertainly as his mother turned towards him. �Danny, what�s wrong?� she asked, seeing the distressed expression on his face.

Danny rubbed his hands along his arms as if to ward off a chill. �Don�t go today,� he blurted abruptly. Something really bad will happen unless you stay home.�

�Danny�?� Her tone was puzzled as she knelt down to see him eye to eye. �What gives you that idea, sweetie?�

Danny swallowed nervously, dropping his gaze to focus on his mother�s knees. �I had a dream,� he whispered after a moment. �The white lady said you�re going to leave me.�

�Oh, Daniel.� She drew him into a gentle hug. �It was just a dream, sweetie. I would never leave you. I love you.�

�N-not just you, but Daddy too,� Danny continued, vision blurring slightly with unshed tears, a stutter slipping into his words. �S-s-she said y-you�ll b-both go away.�

�Shh, hey, I�m right here,� she assured him, rubbing gentle circles on his back. �Your father and I would never leave you. Ever. It was just a dream, Daniel. We�re going to stay with you forever. I promise.�

Three hours later, Danny sat in silence as his parent�s lifeless bodies were taken from beneath the coverstone.

Tag #3 - Career Choices