She complained about homework, asked what was for dinner, and rolled her eyes at my questions.
I did not confront her or call the school again. I waited. Next morning, Tessa left as usual.
I drove ahead and parked where I could watch the bus stop. She arrived and boarded the school bus.
When it pulled away, I followed. Near Briarwick Academy, Tessa got off with the other students.
But she did not enter the building. She stayed beside the stop until an old pickup rolled toward the curb.
Tessa did not hesitate. She opened the passenger door and climbed inside as though she had done it before.
For a moment, I could not breathe. My hand hovered over my phone. Should I contact the authorities?
What could I say—that my daughter had willingly entered a truck? Maybe I was overreacting.
