Contract Mother

It’s one thing when you dream of having a child, and a completely different thing when they suddenly fall into your hands—literally from the heavens! “Impossible,” you’ll say? And I thought so too, until a bloodied man practically shoved a baby girl into my arms by force.

— What are you doing?! —

— Care for the child, — he rasps; his handsome face twists with pain, — if you save them, I’ll find you and pay you so much money that it will be enough even for your grandchildren.

— And if…?

I ask in fright and run into the man’s stern stare.

— If you don’t, I’ll send you to the grave right after, — he looks around and quickly orders, — Run.

— Wait! —

— Run if you want to stay alive! And not a step toward the police, got it?!