Ethan, an 11-year-old, had just won the school science Olympiad, but his mom, Maria, couldn’t make it to the event due to work commitments. Disappointed, Ethan starts his walk back home alone.
As he walks, he notices a van parked nearby, and a man named Bill approaches him. Bill claims that Maria, Ethan’s mother, has been hospitalized. But Ethan, being a smart kid, senses something fishy and decides to stall for time.
Engaging in conversation with Bill, Ethan comes up with a clever plan. He secretly calls his mom and uses a trick she had taught him to subtly let her know that he’s in trouble and needs help.
Unbeknownst to Bill, Ethan manages to pass along the message to his mom that he is in danger. With quick thinking, Ethan successfully stalls Bill long enough for the police to arrive.
When Ethan suggests ordering a pie from “Sweet Places,” he cleverly uses a coded message to communicate with his mom. You see, Maria owns the cafe, and she understands the hidden meaning behind Ethan’s words.
The coded message serves as a signal to Maria that Ethan is in danger and needs immediate help. Recognizing the urgency, Maria promptly calls the police and provides them with the information they need to track down Ethan.
Thanks to Ethan’s quick thinking and Maria’s ingenious code, the police are able to locate Bill’s rundown house and rescue Ethan from an unimaginable situation.
This heartwarming story reminds us of the critical importance of prioritizing children’s safety. It shows that even in moments of distress, smart thinking and effective communication can make all the difference in ensuring the well-being of our loved ones.
