I had just given birth when my 8-year-old daughter came to visit me. She quietly closed the curtain and whispered, «Mom, get under the bed. Now.» We crawled under together, holding our breath. Then, footsteps approached, and she gently covered my mouth…

Quiet footsteps approached. Deborah gently rocked Thomas to prevent him from crying while holding her breath. Lily clung to her mother’s arm, trembling with fear.

The footsteps stopped near the bed. There was a sound of someone touching the pillow on the bed. Where did she go? A woman’s voice muttered.

It was Rachel. Deborah’s heart pounded violently. She suddenly felt Lily’s small hand cover her mouth.

Lily was warning her mother to stay quiet. Smart girl. Deborah nodded slightly and gently squeezed Lily’s hand.

Rachel seemed to have pressed the nurse call button. The patient is missing, they heard her say. Just then, another set of footsteps entered the room.

Heavier ones, belonging to a man. What are you doing? Where’s Deborah? It was Michael’s voice. Rachel’s voice came back, low and dangerously resonant.

Your obstacle will soon be gone. With just one injection. What are you talking about? Michael’s voice was disturbed.

We planned this, Michael. You and me, and the baby. We don’t need your wife.

Rachel’s voice had a tinge of madness. The baby will be ours. Deborah was frozen with terror.

In her arms, Thomas began to stir. Deborah kissed the baby even more gently, praying he would stay quiet. Lily’s face was pale, her eyes filled with fear, but she bravely remained still, trying to protect her mother and brother.

From under the bed, Deborah could see Rachel’s white nursing shoes and Michael’s leather shoes. They were standing face to face. Michael’s feet stepped backward.

What are you saying? I only said I wanted to break up. I don’t intend to hurt anyone. A ray of light shone in Deborah’s heart.

While Michael had certainly been having an affair with Rachel, he didn’t seem to be participating in this crazed plan. However, that hardly changed the current situation. Rachel had a syringe with a lethal dose of drugs, and she was looking for Deborah.

You promised. You said we would be together, Rachel’s voice trembled with anger. Deborah looked at Lily’s face.

Along with fear, there was determination in her daughter’s eyes. Lily gently pointed to her mother’s arm, showing the watch-like nurse call button attached to it. Deborah understood and nodded slightly.

It was a race against time. From their limited view under the bed, they could see Rachel’s and Michael’s feet still facing each other. You promised me a future together.

Rachel’s voice was growing louder. If she were gone, we could be a perfect family. Are you crazy? Michael’s voice shook with anger.

I only said I wanted to end our affair. I never talked about hurting Deborah or Lily or the baby. Under the bed, Deborah stiffened at hearing her name…