A quick note from Solaris Night:

This story is unlike my others because it is loosely based on a true story of a video interview I saw on Instagram. That being said, obviously, the characters within the story are fictional and created from my own imagination even though the events of the story are based on truth. I think it’s important to always remain vigilant. The world is a dark and dangerous place. 

Lilly Ross

What I’m about to tell you is one of my worst fears that nearly came true. My name is Lilly Ross and I am a mother of 3 amazing children. What happened is proof that you must always stay aware of your surroundings. It all happened while I was at a grocery store with two of my 3 children. My oldest was at home, being at an age where he could watch himself. My younger 2 children are both girls 3 and 7.

I normally like to park near the back because getting the stroller out can be quite a hassle and I just like to do it where there aren’t a whole lot of other people so I’m not in the way. Anyway, I was getting my children out of the car, putting my youngest in the stroller while my older daughter waited impatiently in the car. That’s when I noticed a couple parked not far from me. They stayed in their car for the longest time and I couldn’t help but think they were watching me and my kids. At first, I thought they were going to offer help because I was clearly struggling with the stroller and they were staring at me, but after a few minutes, they just stayed in their car watching. I thought nothing of it at the time, however, once I got my youngest in the stroller and got my oldest out of the car, we made our way into the store and I noticed the couple get out behind me. They followed us into the store. Again, I thought nothing of it. 

As we went about our way, picking up essential items, the couple continued to follow us, however, they didn’t appear to be shopping. They had nothing in their hands and they were clearly watching us. Whenever I looked over at them, they’d quickly glance away. 

While I turned the corner and came into the next aisle, that’s when I heard them talking. They were clearly speaking about my children. I could hear them saying the details and characteristics of my kids. Brown hair, green eyes, one’s about 4 years old and the other’s about 7, both girls. My heart raced as I listened to their conversation. I was truly mortified. I thought for a second, that I wasn’t hearing them right, but when they turned the corner into our aisle, I saw the man talking on the phone and his eyes darted straight towards my kids before quickly glancing away. 

It was at this point I realized the severity of the situation. I quickly pulled out my phone and called my husband. I told him exactly what was going on with clear panic in my voice. To make matters worse, he was at least an hour away for business. My heart was racing so fast, I felt like I was having a panic attack. I quickly took my kids and rushed for the checkout. The couple followed. I saw the man grab something off the shelf and made it for the checkout line behind me. Fortunately, a woman in front of me let me cut. Even though my kids were behaving well enough, she saw that I only had a few items and was very kind enough to let me go ahead of her. 

I quickly checked out and rushed into the parking lot. I saw the couple discard their items and take off behind me with a brisk pace. To my horror, there was a big white van parked next to my car. I quickly put my older daughter in the car first and got my youngest out of the stroller and got her buckled in next. I considered leaving the stroller and items as I saw the couple approach. They practically circled the car. As I clicked open the back trunk to quickly throw my stroller and the few items I had bought, I lost sight of the couple. I was in a panic as I locked the doors to the car so they wouldn’t be able to take my kids without taking the keys from me. I heard car doors open and shut from the van. My heart was pounding inside my chest. My hands were shaking as I struggled to get the groceries in and quickly break down the stroller. I kept fumbling with the locks on the stroller as I kept looking up to see if the couple were still lurking. 

An old man and a younger woman pulled up across on the other side of the rear of my car. I saw the old man’s eyes go wide and to my relief, he quickly shouted if I needed any help. I said yes immediately. As I turned around for the stroller I nearly had a heart attack. There were two men standing behind me. They backed away immediately as the old man and whom I guess was his caretaker or daughter quickly made their way over. The two men tried to act as if they were coming to help but quickly walked over to the white van, got in, and drove away. The couple also got into their car and drove off. 

If it weren’t for that old man’s kindness, I could’ve lost my children that day. Looking back, there were so many things I could’ve done differently, but when you’re in the moment and filled with fear, you don’t act rationally. Since that day, I’ve started to take many precautions. I park as close as I can, I now carry mace and I’m in the process of getting a carry permit. I also should’ve called the police immediately. I will never put myself or my children in a situation like that ever again. 

The End.

Remember, you’re never safe in the dark…

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