My son, Sam, began drawing peculiar pictures featuring his deceased father. After a long, exhausting day, I picked up Sam from my mom’s house. She noted my exhaustion and urged me to rest, but I insisted we needed money.
At home, Sam excitedly showed me his drawings of him and his dad. I felt a pang in my heart when he spoke of boating with Jake, who had died in a tragic accident. Despite my attempts to explain Jake’s death, Sam insisted he had seen his father recently.
Concerned, I visited child therapist Linda, who confirmed Sam’s behavior was due to his unresolved grief. Linda agreed to help without charge. Later that night, I followed Sam when he sneaked out to meet Jake, only to discover Jake alive and fleeing from the police.
Jake had faked his death for insurance money. As the police arrested him, I held Sam close, relieved he was safe and determined to protect him from further harm.
