“Yes, but I don’t remember much.”

“Oh, Mia! You were kidnapped! Your father and I have been looking for you. Do you know where you are?”

Before Mia could say more, Laura stormed in. “Who were you talking to?” she demanded. “No one, just a wrong number,” Mia stammered.

“I see you’re lying to me!” Laura shouted, lunging at Mia and dragging her to the basement. “You’re my daughter, and I won’t give you to anyone!”

Mia was locked inside, pounding on the door, begging Laura to let her out. When her eyes adjusted to the dim light, she noticed papers in a corner—Laura’s hospital notes.

The top note, dated 12.01, revealed Laura’s delusions of seeing her deceased daughter. Each following note described her worsening mental state.

Mia’s worst suspicions were confirmed. Laura wasn’t her mother. She was a mentally ill woman, mistaking Mia for her dead daughter.

Desperate, Mia formed a plan. “Mom, I’m scared!” she yelled. “Remember how we planted the garden together? I want those moments back.”

Mia held her breath, waiting. Finally, she heard the key turn. Laura came downstairs, wrapping her arms around Mia. “I’m sorry. I was scared you’d leave me again.”

Mia feigned concern. “I’m here now,” she whispered. Laura led her upstairs and served dinner, her hands shaking nervously.

After the meal, Laura asked Mia to fetch the dishes. Seizing her chance, Mia grabbed a plate and swung it at Laura with all her strength. Laura collapsed, crying out in pain.

Mia snatched the keys, unlocked the door, and fled into the forest. She heard Laura chasing her but kept running. When Laura caught up, she grabbed Mia’s leg, pulling her down.

Just as Laura began to choke Mia, a cop emerged from the bushes, shouting, “Release the girl, or I’ll shoot!”

Laura didn’t listen, so the cop fired a Taser. Laura’s body jolted, and she collapsed.

As Mia gasped for breath, the cop reassured her, “You’re safe now.”

Soon after, Mia’s real parents arrived. Her parents hugged her and explained how they had found her using the information from her call. “We contacted the police immediately after you called us. You’ll finally be home, honey,” Her mother said.

“Finally.” Mia wrapped her arms around her parents and silently cried with relief. She knew the people she was hugging were her real parents. Not only did she look like them, but the comfort she felt in their arms was something she would never feel otherwise.