Kidnapped

Jane stared at the woman’s open palm, then looked up at her smiling face. She did not understand and turned to look back at the entrance. She should ask Mommy, who was sleeping, and Jane knew better than to wake her.

The stranger had unwrapped the square package and broke off a piece of something brown. “Open wide, sweetie. Like this.” The chunk disappeared behind her lips. “Yummy.”

Little Jane was ready when the lady tapped her chin. Opening wide, she almost bit a finger as she pulled the sweet into her mouth. Chocolate deliciousness exploded on her tongue as she devoured the rest of the Hershey bar.

“Oh, it’s all gone. But I have more in my car.” The woman reached out her hand. “Please come with me.”

Jane hesitated and looked toward the entrance, then shyly grasped the outstretched fingers. Within a few moments, they were next to a black cargo van. The rear door opened. Hairy, muscular arms lifted her inside. Jane opened her mouth to scream, but the woman put something like sour patch gummies on her tongue. She tried to keep her eyes open as she chewed, but the world grew dark.

She awoke in a soft bed, wearing a white flannel gown. Still groggy, she tried to see her surroundings. Though the room was dark, three other beds occupied the space. Jane tried to get up, but something weighed her down. Her thumb crept into her mouth. Suckling it, she fell asleep.