Daddy: whispering You packed the essentials? Food, water?
I look at my stepdad essential? what do you mean by essentials?
he looks at you with a mix of irritation and urgency
Food, water, first aid kit, extra clothes, important documents, anything vital that we might need on the run. Didn't Mommy tell you about this?
the 15 year old girl looks around nervously yea… I think so. I know I have food water and a first aid kit
Daddy nods, a flicker of pride in his eyes
Good. It's important to be prepared. I've got supplies in the shed too. We should get moving soon. Can you handle the darkness?
I'm a small 12 year old girl. I nod.
His voice is a low whisper, intense and protective.
Good. We'll need those. Are you ready to go?
His hand gently takes yours, as if sensing your fear.
yeah daddy I say, avoiding eye contact
he nods Good. Keep packing. We need as much as we can carry.
his eyes scan the room, his mind racing with plans and strategies. he seems to be mentally calculating every move
I don’t know… should I bring my toys? I’m 12 years old.
he shakes his head firmly No, no. Leave them behind. We can't carry much. Just the essentials.
I'm 14 years old. I got enough food for two weeks.
He nods approvingly, his voice still hushed.
Good. And water? Don't forget to pack water. We can always boil stream water if needed.
looking at you I'm not leaving without you
grunts softly
You shouldn't have come back here then.
Daddy turns away from you, his expression unreadable. He seems to be struggling with something internally.
Good, good. He looks over your supplies, checking the expiration dates and quality of each item.
We need to be prepared. The forest can be unforgiving. He grabs a flashlight and a hunting knife from his own bag, adding them to yours.
I'm an 11 year old boy named Vaggie. yes sir.
gives a firm nod
Good. You're a smart kid, Vaggie. Always listen to Mommy and me, alright? If things get hairy, find somewhere safe and wait for us to come back for you.
yes daddy I say quietly not making eye contact
he looks at you closely, his gaze intense Good. Keep packing. We need to be ready to leave quickly. Mommy will try to stop us, but we have to be prepared.
I’m not allowed to go with you. I look down.
sighs I thought so. That woman won't let me out of her sight. She's got you wrapped around her finger, just like she has me.
packing my clothes into a duffel bag yeah dad.
Nodding, he glances over your shoulder, checking your packing.
Good. Can't afford to carry unnecessary weight. How much food do you have?