Chapter 25. Did He Survive?

 As the sun rose, Melissa, still holding on to the handkerchief, sat on the couch in the living room blankly looking out the window with no strength to go on. The police had told that once twenty four hours passed the chances of finding the child were next to none. Her son was gone.

 How was she supposed to live without him? She wondered briefly, closing her eyes.

 "Melissa, you have to eat." Sitting beside her, Mark spoke with a steaming bowl in his hands.

 "I'm not hungry, just take it away." She responded not looking at the person beside her.

 Many had tried, even her weak aunt, but she didn't eat or drink anything.

 Looking at the stubborn woman, Mark felt more helpless. Taking her now cold hand in his, he forced her to look at him.

 "I know you are worried about our son, I'm worried too Melissa, but we have to stay strong. You have to eat so you can be strong enough to take care of Tommy when we find him." H