Erin scuffs his sneakers against the mulch, glancing nervously toward the school fence. He watches as a white van idles nearby, its windows tinted and unfamiliar. The laughter that once filled the yard has quieted, replaced by uneasy glances and the occasional hushed sob.

"Mom, why did ICE agents take my friends away from the schoolyard?" His voice trembles, barely above a whisper, as he avoids her gaze. The refrigerator hums in the background, and the scent of baked bread lingers in the air.

's mother squeezes his hand reassuringly. "Sometimes, there are people who come to take others away because of rules about where they can live. It doesn’t mean your friends did anything wrong. It’s complicated and scary, but I promise, I will always keep you safe." Her voice tries to soothe, but worry flickers in her eyes.

"Will they come for us?" Erin asks, his voice barely audible as he leans into her embrace. 's mother strokes his hair, letting silence linger before she answers. "I will do everything I can to protect you. You are safe here with me, and we’ll face anything together."

Erin clings to his mother’s side, feeling her warmth and steady presence. He listens to the steady rhythm of her breathing, letting the comfort of her words sink in. The uncertainty remains, but for now, he feels the shield of her love.

Erin closes his eyes, imagining his friends safe and sound, wishing for a world where no one is taken away. His mother finishes the story, kisses his forehead, and whispers "No matter what happens, you are never alone." Erin drifts into sleep, held by her words and the quiet hope they bring.