After all the sobbing and crying, after witnessing Zayn comforting Kairo, Sara's heart shattered into a thousand pieces. Fear gripped her like a vice, fear that her baby, her only hope, her very purpose, could be snatched from her.
The thought of Kairo taking Zayn away, just because he was the boy's father, made her stomach twist and her chest ache. She couldn't let it happen. She couldn't afford to lose him.
Her mind raced at lightning speed, spinning worst-case scenarios over and over. Every possible outcome was darker than the last. Her legs felt weak, her heart pounded relentlessly in her chest, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't focus on work.
Every tick of the clock reminded her of the danger she imagined, the threat she felt looming over her little family.
She refused to leave Zayn's side for even a second. Her arms clung to him as if letting go for even a moment would mean losing him forever. She buried her face in his hair, inhaling the familiar, comforting scent of her son, letting her anxiety seep into the tight embrace.
Every small sound he made, every giggle, every tiny sigh, sent a jolt of terror through her heart. She was anxious, terrified, desperate… but determined. She would protect him. No matter what.
That evening, as soon as Sara returned home, panic gripped her. She couldn't stay there any longer, not with Kairo around. She couldn't risk losing Zayn. Her hands moved quickly, almost automatically, as she packed everything she could think of. Clothes, toys, essentials, she gathered it all, making sure Zayn was safe and comfortable.
Zayn blinked up at her with innocent eyes. "Where are we going, Mumma?"
Sara bent down, brushing his hair back and pressing a soft kiss to his forehead.
"Somewhere far, baby… somewhere no one can take you away from me," she whispered, forcing a small, reassuring smile.
Zayn looked up at her, confused but trusting. His tiny hands clutched her clothes as she finished packing the last of their essentials. She fed him carefully, humming softly, and tucked him into a small, cozy bed. Once he drifted into sleep, she reached for her phone and called Nora.
"Yes, babe?" Nora's familiar voice answered, calm and steady as always.
"Nora, I'm leaving this place… immediately. I just wanted to let you know," Sara said, her voice tense but steady.
"But why, Sara? What happened?" Nora's concern was clear on the phone.
"It's a long story, Nora… I don't have time to explain now. Once I settle down, I'll tell you everything," Sara replied, hugging Zayn a little tighter.
"But… Babe, leaving like this, with Zayn… it could be dangerous. Where will you go?"
"I don't know yet… but I can't stay here. If I do, Zayn might be taken away from me. Don't worry, I'll be fine. I'll take care of him," she said firmly, her eyes scanning her apartment as if memorizing every corner.
"Okay… please be safe. And if you need any help, just call me, alright? Take care of Zayn," Nora said softly.
"Thank you, Nora. I'll call once we've settled," Sara replied, ending the call.
She looked around her small apartment, memories flooding her mind, every struggle, every moment of joy, and her little Zayn growing up here.
Scooping Zayn into her arms, she pulled the trolley bag behind her, taking one last glance at the place she had called home.
With a deep, steadying breath, she locked the door and stepped out, determination set in her heart, ready to protect her son at all costs.
The next morning, Kairo arrived at the office as usual, anticipation bubbling inside him. He had been looking forward to seeing Zayn, to spending a few stolen hours of joy with his son. But there was a tight knot of nervousness in his chest. Would Sara even allow it today? He had prepared himself to face her wrath if needed, ready to do anything to meet Zayn.
But what he didn't know was that today, he wouldn't see them at all.
He walked straight to Sara's cabin, expecting her presence, only to find it empty. That was unusual. By this time, she should have been at her desk. His mind raced. Why is she late? Is she okay? Is Zayn okay?
His heartbeat quickened as he pulled out his phone and called his secretary.
"Ben, did Sara come to the office today?" he asked, voice taut with concern.
Ben hesitated. "I… I don't know, sir. She should have been here by now. Let me check her cabin."
"She's not in her cabin," Kairo said.
"Then… maybe she's on leave?" Ben's mind spun.
"Has she informed you about any leave, sir?" Kairo asked firmly,
"No, Sir," Ben replied slowly.
Anxiety is clawing at Kairo.. "Call her, Ben. Find out what's wrong. I need to know."
Ben tried, but no one answered. "Sir… she's not picking up."
Kairo's heart sank, and panic surged. Without another word, he stormed out of his office and drove toward Sara's apartment.
When he arrived, the door was locked. He banged on it desperately. "Sara… open the door!"
No response.
An elderly neighbor emerged, frowning at the commotion. "What's happening? Why are you banging on the door?"
Kairo's voice shook with urgency. "Sir… where did the woman go? She has a child, too."
The old man eyed him suspiciously. "Who are you?"
"I… I'm her husband, Sir," Kairo said, trying to keep his voice steady.
"You're her husband and don't know where your wife and child went?" the neighbor asked, incredulous.
"I… I'm sorry, Sir. We had a little fight last night… and now she's not here," Kairo admitted.
The man nodded knowingly. "Kids these days… I saw her leave last night with a luggage bag and her baby."
Kairo's eyes narrowed. "Where did she go?"
The old man shrugged. "I don't know. Call her and ask. That's all I can say."
With that, he closed the door gently but firmly, leaving Kairo in shock, panic clawing at his chest.
Kairo stood frozen, tears, frustration, and fury crashing over him at once. Devastation hollowed him out. "Where did you go, Sara? Why did you leave?" he whispered to the empty hallway, then his legs gave way and he sank to the ground, breath ragged.
He snatched up his phone and dialed the detective without thinking. "Find her," he growled into the line. "She's gone. Bring her back, I want her, no matter what."
"Yes, sir," came the calm reply.
One week later.
One week had passed since Sara and Zayn had left the city. Zayn slept quietly on her lap, the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest a small comfort against the whirlwind of her thoughts. They were staying in one of the cheapest hotels she could find in the new city, a place barely better than a brothel, but she didn't care. Anything was better than losing her baby.
Zayn had been restless at first, uncomfortable in the unfamiliar surroundings, but Sara was always there, holding him close, shielding him from the world. She spent her days searching for a proper place to call home, but so far, nothing suitable had appeared.
She had managed to find a small job at a nearby café, which paid just enough for both of them to survive. It wasn't ideal, but it allowed her to provide for Zayn and keep them safe. A home was still out of reach, and that uncertainty weighed heavily on her.
She had called Nora to reassure her that they were safe. She explained about the café job and their temporary living situation. When she spoke about Kairo and why she had left the city, Nora listened without judgment and fully supported her decision. That small sense of validation brought Sara a fleeting relief amid the storm of her fears.
Despite the discomfort and uncertainty, Sara held Zayn a little closer that evening, whispering promises she wasn't sure she could keep: "We'll be okay, baby… I'll never let anything happen to you."
It was almost evening, and Sara needed to go out to get some food for herself and milk for Zayn. She was thinking about how to build a new life in this city when suddenly the door banged loudly. Her heart raced. She carefully put Zayn on the bed and, with shaking hands, opened the door a little.
"Ma'am… today's bill," said the young boy who worked at the hotel, here to collect the day's rent.
Sara quickly handed him the money and shut the door, uneasy because everyone in this place seemed creepy. She let out a sigh and was about to go back to Zayn when the door banged again.
"This boy…" she muttered in frustration, opening the door once more… and froze.
Her heart dropped. There he was.
"Found you, soda glass."