#twp post

(Sirens in the background, police chatter)

(Reila sobbing uncontrollably, trying to speak)

Emely, crying: It's okay. We'll find him. Shh, it's okay. It's okay.

Emely, whispers: Shh. We'll find him, Rei. I promise.

Reila, upset: Why would someone do this? Why would someone take a little boy away--

Policewoman: I'm sorry to interrupt, but we'd like to ask you both some questions.

Emely, soft: You think you're up for this? If not we can go down to the station later.

Reila: It's okay. If it means helping us find Luca, I'll answer anything.

Policewoman: I know this is a difficult time for you and your wife. We just need to ask a couple questions.

Reila: Ask away.

Policewoman: Why were you at the Lakeview Library today?

Reila: We were...we were meeting with our attorney to decide our strategy in our upcoming custody case.

Emely, calm: As you can probably tell from the picture we gave you, Luca isn't our biological son.

Policewoman: Mhmhm. And you were here to discuss your custody case against your son's biological mother, Kiara Francisco?

Emely: Yes we were. You don't think she was the one behind this--

Policewoman: I wouldn't want to speculate, ma'am. But I'm sure you're aware most kidnappers are related to their victims.

Policewoman: And you're sure your sister Naomi was not the one who came here earlier?

Reila: I am. Naomi is still in high school. She would never do something like this. She would never take Luca without asking us first.

Policewoman: That's all the information I need for now. We are going to find your son, Mrs. Townsend.

Meanwhile...

Daycare associate: Can I help you?

???: I'm here to pick up Luca Francisco. There's been a...family emergency.

Daycare associate: Oh? Well I can only release him to you if you're one of his safe contacts--

"Naomi": I'm his Aunt, Naomi Kibo.

Daycare associate: Okay... Well you're on the list. So just sign here and you can take him.

(Sounds of whispering, typing, books being put away)

Brielle: So you're both on the same page now? No visitation or custody for Miss Francisco?

Reila: Yes, that's what we're going for. What do you think our chances are?

Brielle: Well...

Brielle, sighs: It's not going to be easy, I can tell you that right now. Miss Francisco wants joint custody, but she won't get it.

Emely, worried: Are you 100% sure? There's no chance at all?

Brielle: Yes I am 100% sure. I know this judge. This issue is that you don't want to allow her any visitation.

Reila: And...?

Brielle, matter of fact: You're not going to get that as things stand right now. Miss Francisco will likely be granted some type of visitation rights.

Emely, voice breaking: S-so she'll get to see Luca? As often as the judge says she can?

Brielle: Unfortunately, yes. The only way we can stop that from happening is if we can prove that Miss Francisco's environment or behavior is detrimental to Luca's well-being.

Brielle, sincere: I am going to do everything within my power to make sure Luca has nothing to do with the woman who abandoned him. But it's going to be a tough fight.

Reila: And we're willing to do whatever it takes to win this case. Kiara isn't a good person, Brielle. I can testify to that. She did a lot of bad things when we were in--

Brielle: We need to focus on the things she's doing now. She claims she is sober, celibate, has a steady job. We need to look into that to see if it's true. I can petition the judge to request random drug tests. But...

Reila: But...?

Brielle: If she passes random drug tests--which I suspect she will--it works in her favor.

Emely: Do you think there's anything we can do to prevent her from getting any visitation rights?

Brielle: I think we need to argue from a different angle. We need to show the judge that Luca is a happy, healthy, thriving toddler because of what happened. We show the judge that it's best for him to stay away from Miss Francisco and retain full, permanent custody with you.

Emely, exhales: Sounds like that's our game plan then.

Reila, nods: Sounds good to me.

Three weeks later

*soft humming*

(Water running)

Emely, soft: Rei, babe, why don't you come downstairs and help me take some of the Winterfest decorations down?

Reila: No. I want to keep everything the same.

Emely, hesitant: I know you do. But I think...I think it's time. We're doing everything we can. We have to keep living though, Rei. For Luca's sake.