Kith and Kin ✔️

The receiver pulsed against his ear, a frantic, high-pitched scream tearing through the line. "Please don't hurt her," he choked out, his voice a ragged whisper. Sweat beaded on his forehead, legs trembling uncontrollably. His breath hitched in his chest, a desperate plea hanging in the air.

"Why do you want to save a lying bitch, man? She isn't even worth it," a chilling laugh echoed from the other end. He gripped the phone tighter, knuckles white. "Don't you dare call her that. Please, just leave her alone. It's me who you want."

A sinister chuckle. "So you got the point right, my friend. I won't hurt her if you come meet me within the next fifteen minutes." He didn't hesitate. "I'm on my way. Please, don't hurt her." The line went dead.

He had to move, and fast. Saving her was his only thought. She was the one he had loved, the one he had promised to protect. The only one, besides him. His gaze fell upon his son, innocently playing with a toy car on the floor. A faint, sad smile touched his lips. This might be their last moment together.

He knelt, pressing a soft kiss to his son's forehead. "I need to leave you here, boy. Please don't annoy your grandma. You know she's a little sick." The boy's big, round eyes looked up at him. "Okay, daddy. But do you know where mum is?"

He couldn't lie, not completely. "Some bad people have taken her, but I'm gonna go bring her back, and then we'll be together." His voice cracked. "No, daddy, don't go. They'll take you too, and then I'll be all alone. I don't want to be alone." Tears welled in the boy's eyes.

The clock was ticking. "I have to go." He whispered the lie, "I'll be back, I'll be back soon," into his son's ear. "Promise?" The small voice quivered. "Promise." He turned and left, the boy remaining at the door, waiting, until he eventually drifted to sleep on the cold wooden floor.