The surprise baby-mother party had been exactly what she needed – a reminder that she wasn't alone in this journey of motherhood.

As she settled Ethan and Leo into their cribs for a nap, Sarah couldn't help but think back on how much her life had changed since they entered the world. They were her whole world now, and every sacrifice she made was worth it to see their tiny smiles and hear their infectious giggles and cute babbles.


Didi, ever the thoughtful friend, lingered behind to help tidy up. As they folded the leftover decorations and stacked the plates, Sarah couldn't contain her appreciation.

"Didi, I can't thank you enough for today," Sarah said, her voice filled with sincerity. "You truly went above and beyond to make me feel loved and supported."

Didi smiled warmly, her eyes reflecting genuine affection. "Sarah, you're like a sister to me. It was the least I could do to show you how much you mean to all of us."


They shared a moment of quiet understanding, the bond between them stronger than ever. Then, with a yawn, Sarah realized just how exhausted she was.

"Hey, why don't you stay for dinner?" Sarah suggested, a glimmer of excitement in her tired eyes. "I can whip up something simple, and we can catch up properly."


Didi's face lit up at the suggestion. "I'd love that," she replied eagerly. "But let me help you with the boys first."

Together, they settled into a comfortable rhythm, feeding and soothing Ethan and Leo until they drifted off into a peaceful sleep. With the twins asleep, Sarah and Didi went to the kitchen to prepare dinner.

As they chopped vegetables and boiled pasta, the conversation flowed effortlessly between them. They talked about everything – from the latest gossip at the cafe to Sarah's hopes and dreams for the future.

"I've been thinking," Sarah began seriously, her eyes fixed on the pot on the stove. "About going back to school."

Didi's eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly recovered, a supportive smile gracing her lips. "That's amazing, Sarah! What do you want to study?"

Sarah shrugged, a faint blush creeping into her cheeks. "I'm not entirely sure yet. But I know I want to do something meaningful – something that will make a difference in the world, especially for Ethan and Leo."

Didi reached across the counter and squeezed Sarah's hand gently. "Whatever you decide to do, I'll be right there cheering you on every step of the way."

Tears filled up in Sarah's eyes at the unending support and love radiating from her friend. In that moment, she realized just how lucky she was to have Didi by her side.

"Thank you, Didi," Sarah whispered,. "For everything."

Didi gave her in tight hug, the warmth of their friendship wrapping around them making them feel safe with each other. "Anytime, Sarah," she murmured, her voice soft and reassuring. "You and the boys mean the world to me."

As they sat down to dinner, Sarah couldn't help but feel a sense of optimism wash over her. With Didi's support and encouragement, she knew that she could tackle whatever challenges lay ahead – whether it was going back to school, navigating the ups and downs of life, or simply enjoying the precious moments with her two beautiful sons.

Together, they raised their glasses in a silent toast to the future – a future filled with endless possibilities and the unwavering bond of friendship that would carry them through it all.

As Sarah stepped out of her apartment one sunny morning, the familiar hustle and bustle of the city greeted her. She had planned to take Ethan and Leo for a walk in the nearby park, relishing the opportunity to enjoy some fresh air and sunlight.

But she wanted to first run some errands before taking them out of the house, so she decided to go to the mall alone while leaving the kids in the care of their aunt, Didi.

Sarah remembered how that conversation went with a smile on her face.

Flashback…

Early in the morning around 7, Sarah looked around the house and saw that she needed to go grocery shopping and still get some other things done. She also needed to take the kids to the park.

But she couldn't carry the kids to the mall. They would slow her down. So she decided to call her bestfriend, Didi.

Sarah pulled out her phone and dialed Didi's number. It rang twice before a cheerful voice answered, "Hey stranger! What's up?"

"Didi, thank goodness it's you," Sarah sighed dramatically. "I'm drowning in errands and the kids are bouncing off the walls."

Didi chuckled at her friend's usual morning chaos. "Sounds like a typical Monday for you, mama bear. What's the crisis this time?"

Sarah explained her predicament – needing groceries, errands, and park time, but the thought of wrangling both toddlers through a crowded mall was enough to give her a headache.

'Hmm," Didi joked. "Tell you what, why don't you drop the little terrors off at my place? The kids love playing with Maya, and we can catch up while you tackle your errands."

Relief washed over Sarah. "Lifesaver! Are you sure it's not a bother? Plus it'll be better if you come over"

"Absolutely not! I've been missing my little playmates, my baby warriors. We'll have some snacks, burn some energy in the backyard, and you can focus on your adulting duties."

"Seriously, Didi, you're the best."

Didi waved off the offer. "Don't worry about that. Just some peace and quiet for a few hours wouldn't kill you. I'm on my way."

When Didi reached Sarah's House, she saw the condition of everything.

'Jesus" was her first response to her shock.

Sarah looked like a ghost. Didi understood that Sarah always had to take care of her babies, but it seemed like she didn't even have enough time for herself.

'You look like a bomb exploded on you. A dirt bomb." Didi commented.

Sarah rolled her eyes. 'Taking care of twins is not that easy."

Didi nodded. 'I understand sweetheart. Let me take over from here. Go, arrange and shower then go run your errands. Ill be here. Just get me a hamburger."

'Deal" Sarah nodded and left immediately to start cleaning up, throwing away the diapers she just changed them from and showering.

After everything, on her way out, she saw Ethan holding unto Didi's hair and Leo stuffing his hand into Didi's nose.

Sarah held her laugh but little sounds came out. Didi turned around and saw her and said 'if I turn around again and you're still there, I swear I'll they'll be on you soon".

Sarah bursted out laughing as she ran out of the door, wishing her friend Goodwick with the twins.

'God knows she needs it" Sarah muttered.

Flashback ends…

Didi is always her lifesaver. Sarah knew Didi would be the best mum when she decided to pursue that.

However, before she could even take a step, a car screeched to a halt in front of her building, causing her to jump back in surprise. Two burly men emerged from the vehicle, their faces hidden behind dark sunglasses and stern expressions. Sarah's heart pounded in her chest as a sense of unease washed over her.

"Who are you? What's going on?" Sarah stammered, her voice trembling with fear.

The men said nothing as they swiftly approached her, one of them producing a blindfold from his pocket. Before Sarah could react, they had placed it over her eyes, enveloping her in darkness.

"Please, let me go!" Sarah pleaded, her heart racing as she struggled against their firm grip. But her efforts were in vain as they guided her forcefully into the backseat of the car.

The drive felt like an eternity, with Sarah's mind racing with terrifying thoughts of what awaited her at the end of this journey. She couldn't shake the feeling of dread that gnawed at her insides, wondering what could have prompted such a sudden and violent abduction.

'Please just let me go." Sarah kept begging and pleading.

Had Bobby really caught up to her? Is this really the end for her? She won't even get to say bye to her kids and to Didi?

'I'm sure you have the wrong person." Sarah pleaded.

None of the men answered her. She felt so helpless.

Finally, the car came to a stop, and the men helped Sarah out, their rough hands guiding her along a gravel path. The sound of her footsteps echoed in the silence, each step bringing her closer to the unknown.

Eventually, they came to a halt, and Sarah felt herself being pushed into a chair. The blindfold was removed, and she blinked against the sudden onslaught of light, squinting as her eyes adjusted to the surroundings.

Before her stood an old man, his weathered face etched with lines of wisdom and experience. His piercing eyes looked into her, sending shivers down her spine.

"Who are you? What do you want from me?" Sarah demanded, her voice trembling with fear..