Kid Walking Home From School Spots Stranger Tail, Uses His Mother’s Trick to Outsmart the Pursuer.

Eleven-year-old Ethan sees a strange man in a van following him as he makes his way home alone from school. Ethan has to act fast to get out of the man’s grasp as his sinister plans come to pass, but how will he manage to do so while under continual observation?
Excitement thumping his heart, Ethan approached the platform. It was a wonderful day for him because he had won the school science Olympiad.

“Ethan, congratulations. His science instructor, Mrs. Johnson, gave him the prize and complimented him, saying, “You were amazing.”

Ethan took the trophy with a proud smile on his face. Winning first place was an incredible accomplishment for him at the age of eleven. But his happiness faded as he looked around for Maria, his mother. Despite her promise to arrive, she was nowhere to be found.
After the ceremony, Ethan sat by himself and stared at the door, waiting for Maria to come out. When he eventually took out his phone, he saw a message from her that said, “I’m so sorry, darling! I’m not able to make it because I got caught up at work! But Ethan, I’m really proud of you.”
He felt a rising tide of disillusionment and rage. Maria always seemed to put work before him, especially now that his father has been gone for a year. Ethan felt wounded and abandoned. He whispered, “I wish Dad was here,” remembering other parents’ celebrations of their children’s accomplishments.

Jackson, a senior at school and Ethan’s neighbour, approached him as he was ready to go out into the hall.

“Hey, friend! Congratulations!” stated Jackson. “This calls for a celebration!”

Ethan gritted his teeth. “I’m grateful, Jackson. How I wish Mom had shown up. She claimed to be busy once more.”
“Stop worrying, man. My parents are employed full-time, too. However, Jackson reassured him that they meant well.

Ethan acknowledged Jackson’s remarks with a sigh, however the pain of his mother’s absence persisted. With his prize in his bag and his heart heavy, he left the hall, knowing that his feelings would remain the same even though Maria would apologise once she got home.

Ethan made the decision to stop inviting her to school functions as he walked home by himself. She simply never made an appearance. He was also aware that she would likely return home later than usual today, forcing him to fend for himself with something from the refrigerator for lunch. He made the decision to watch TV and order pizza. He was entitled to some enjoyment.

The sound of an engine hummed in the distance interrupted Ethan’s thoughts. Casting a sidelong glance, he noticed an ancient panel van pursuing him. He ignored the car and continued to walk.
However, the vehicle soon came to a stop next to him, and a dishevelled, hunchbacked man rolled down the window. The man moaned, “Ethan, right?” “My name is Bill. I need you to accompany me. Your mother suffered a horrible loss.”

Ethan felt afraid. For a brief while, he accepted the man’s remarks because he knew Maria was a workaholic. “What? “Whatever became of Mom?” he stumbled.

“She’s in the hospital!” Bill answered quickly. “Get in the van, and I’ll take you to her!”

Recalling Maria’s warning to avoid strangers, Ethan paused. “Hold on. Which medical facility? Is there someone I can talk to?” he inquired.

Bill became irritated. “Stop asking questions, kid, and get in!”
Something wasn’t right, Ethan sensed. He was talking to Bill when he reached covertly for his phone in his pocket. He stepped away from the van and said cautiously, “What was Mom wearing today, Bill?”

Bill became enraged. “Kid, please stop being tough! Hey, your mum needs you! Hi there! Give up!”

Ethan’s instincts took over, and he started to move away at a faster pace. Panic struck when he heard Bill starting the engine from behind him. “Mom, hurry up! He yelled, “Pick up!” and dialled Maria. She was silent for a while before answering.
However, before Ethan could say anything, Bill jumped forward, grabbed him, and covered his mouth and nose with a handkerchief drenched with chloroform.
“L-leave me!” With a hushed voice, Ethan sobbed.

“You should’ve just listened to me!” Snarling, Bill dragged Ethan to the van while applying further pressure with the handkerchief to his mouth and nose.

As the drug took effect, Ethan went unconscious. Slumping into Bill’s arms, he let go of the phone, which clattered onto the empty pavement from his numb fingertips. His mother’s voice continued to reverberate across the speaker as the call stayed open. “Ethan? “Ethan, what took place?”
A suspicious dog lay next to Ethan as he awoke to find himself gagged and shackled in the cargo section of the van. As soon as he realised how dangerous his predicament was—trapped with the dog and Bill abducting her—panic struck.
Ethan searched for his rucksack, his heart pounding. When he saw it was in front of Bill, his heart fell. Struggling against the tight ropes encircling his feet and wrists, he wondered, “What am I going to do now?” His panic increased as the cargo area’s Malinois gave him a stern look. He feared dogs so much.

“You awakened there, young one? Never even consider running away!” Bill mocked them from up front.

A fearful Ethan thought of his mother and hoped she could have helped him. The van came to a sudden stop as sirens went off, causing him to reflect on his situation. Bill quickly shut the curtain that divided the front and rear rooms, concealing Ethan and the dog.
Ethan overheard Bill conversing with a patrolman. “Do you see that? That’s not your headlight on,” the cop remarked. Seeing his chance, Ethan tried to make some noise, but it was ignored until the Malinois began to bark furiously.
The officer enquired, “What’s going on there?”

“It’s just my dog,” Bill answered back. “He is not amiable. Better remain back.Unless you wish to receive rabies treatment.”

Unaware of Ethan’s presence, the officer released them, and the vehicle began to move once more. “You almost blew it, Dablo!” Bill sneered at the dog.

As they drove away, Ethan felt his heart sink. The van eventually came to a stop outside a run-down home. Bill gave Ethan a menacing smile. “Boy, it’s time to go! Greetings from your new residence!”
The front door creaked open, and Ethan took in the dilapidated state of the house. At the middle of the space was a rickety coffee table that was laden with a variety of half-empty takeaway containers, crumpled newspapers and a scattering of mismatched socks. The air smelled musty, like old cigarettes mixed with rotting food and something moist.
Bill pulled Ethan inside while keeping up his threats. “You ought to have figured out how to be quiet back there. You’ll learn your lesson now that you’re stranded with me.”

Desperate to find a way out, Ethan’s eyes raced between the dark corners of the home. The Malinois, meantime, followed closely behind them, never taking its eyes off of him.

With the dog’s feet quietly trailing behind, Bill led him down a narrow, creaky staircase and the musty smell of the strange basement engulfed him. The room was poorly lighted, with boxes covered in dust and shattered furniture. Bill motioned for Ethan to settle into an antique chair.
“Now, child, comply, and things won’t become chaotic,” Bill quietly remarked, taking the tape from Ethan’s lips. “Nobody can hear you from here, so no point in shouting.”
Ethan’s gaze flitted about, looking for a way out. Bill tied the dog up next to the single window, which may be an escape route, and felt his heart race with panic. “Boy, no heroism. “It’s not just a show dog,” he said.

“What do you want from me?” Bill handcuffed Ethan to the chair and he requested.

Bill grinned, “I’ve been watching you, kid.” “I noticed you’re always by yourself, and I needed some company.” within the playground. in the classroom. The pals you have are not worth having.”

It dawned on Ethan that Bill had been watching him all along. It makes sense that Bill was aware of his identity, school, and home route.

“So, y-you want me here for company?” Ethan questioned, shaking.
“You’re correct. Since you’re staying here, let’s introduce ourselves,” Bill said, taking a seat directly behind Ethan. Ethan wanted to throw up since he could smell the man’s body odour. But if he wanted to get out of this man’s hands, he had to hide his distaste.

Ethan suddenly got an idea. Bill needs company, so hold on! Ethan understood he needed to earn the man’s trust.

“I apologise, Bill,” he uttered. “You were correct. We ought to get to know one another.”

Bill grinned more. “All right. Tell me about yourself, please.”

“I enjoy reading, science, and education. plus pizza,” Ethan remarked. “That’s my favourite food!”

Bill squinted, his eyes narrowing as though he had just smelled something strange. He cocked a little, examining Ethan with a suspicious look. “You know what, pizza? “I enjoy a good steak myself,” he said, his mouth quivering at the corners.

Though he made an effort to remain informal, Ethan was aware of Bill’s doubts. “Yeah, you know, the cheesy goodness, the perfect crust,” he mumbled.

Quickly thinking, Ethan continued, “I believe burgers are also effective.” Oh, and when I was a child, my mum used to cook me really good pies. I still adore them. You know, my school is close to this fantastic cafe, and they have the nicest pie. Their orange pie is quite tasty.

Bill’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. “You know what, pie? I do enjoy a delicious dessert, yes? What name is this place?”

“It’s called ‘Sweet Places!'” Ethan responded far too soon. “Bill, just picture yourself biting into that warm, luscious bliss! I adore the business so much that I am well acquainted with both their phone number and menu! Would you want to sample the pie? It might establish our friendship and draw us nearer.”

After giving it some thought, Bill nodded. Though Ethan’s hands were still bound, he guided him upstairs. When Bill told Ethan to jot down the cafe’s number and their order, he removed the restraints. Heart thumping, Ethan scrawled it down rapidly.

Bill tied Ethan’s hands once more and dialled the number. The voice of a woman replied. Bill placed his order for the orange pie while closely monitoring Ethan.
“Please tell me the delivery address; the pie will be with you soon.”

Bill gave the address and hung up. “Well done, young one. “You didn’t create any disturbance,” he complimented Ethan.

Ethan forced a grin to cover up his anxiety. “Why should I bother you? “I assume we’re friends?” he asked apprehensively.

Satisfied, Bill guided Ethan to the basement where he restrained the youngster with a chair. “Do you like dogs, Ethan?” Bill petted Dablo and inquired.

Fearful of dogs, Ethan told Bill a falsehood to reassure him. Bill replied, “I like you, Ethan,” as he sat down next to him and drew him in. Ethan laughed clumsily, the man’s foul stench making his stomach turn.

“Bill, tell me about yourself. He questioned, “Why do you live alone?
Bill smiled and added, “We’ll talk when the pie arrives, boy.”

Ethan thought, That’s what I’ve been waiting for too, Bill.

“You alright, kid?” Bill enquired.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m okay,” Ethan trembled in response.

All of a sudden, there was a loud bang and the sound of a door cracking. Officers stormed in, pointing their weapons at Bill. “Stop! “You’re arrested,” one officer yelled.

Ethan’s mother came in with tears in her eyes as they were shackling Bill. She gave Ethan a strong hug. “Ethan, you succeeded! You persevered!” she said. “I truly apologise. It was my duty to support you. I’m so happy for you.
Ethan hugged his mum tightly. He wailed, “Mom, I thought I’d never see you again.” “I was so scared.”

Dablo and Bill were escorted away by the officers. Ethan was relieved to feel at last secure in his mother’s company.

Ethan and Maria had a code word they used: “Orange Pie”. Due of Maria’s allergy, “Sweet Places,” the cafe she operated, did not carry orange pies. When Ethan was in danger, Maria had trained him to utilise the code phrase, and her cunning saved Ethan’s life.

Parents everywhere should take note of what Maria and Ethan went through: putting their kids’ safety and wellbeing first is always the best thing to do.