\u201cstop playing games.\u201d<\/p>\n
I read the message twice.<\/p>\n
Then I deleted it from the screen without replying.<\/p>\n
Not because I wasn\u2019t afraid.<\/p>\n
I was so afraid that my legs were shaking underneath the linen pants Matthew chose for the trip, as if even my clothes had to obey him.<\/p>\n
I walked toward the taxi stand with my purse clutched tight against my chest.<\/p>\n
Behind me, the airport kept breathing with its noise of suitcases, announcements, and goodbyes, but I felt as if every loudspeaker was pronouncing my name.<\/p>\n
\u201cHelena Barbosa, return to your son.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nobody said that.<\/p>\n
But my head did.<\/p>\n
My phone started vibrating nonstop.<\/p>\n
Matthew was calling.<\/p>\n
Once.<\/p>\n
Twice.<\/p>\n
Three times.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n