I Realized That the Boy Pretending to Be My Son Was Not Really Him, but His Carbon Copy – Story of the Day

Alice notices that her son Adam draws some strange pictures, which depict two identical boys. The son tells her that he and his twin are depicted on them. However, Adam is the only son in their family. Later, her son disappears, and when he returns, Alice realizes that this boy is not her son, but is pretending to be him

The day was drawing to a close on the outskirts of the city, the setting sun painting the suburban scenery in hues of gold. The bustling noise of the city center was a distant murmur here, replaced by the tranquil sounds of leaves rustling and the muted laughter of children at play.

Alice, a 32-year-old woman embodying quiet resilience, had just picked up her son, Adam, from school. As a private realtor, her work was demanding, yet she skillfully balanced her professional commitments with her role as a mother, ensuring these precious moments with Adam remained undisturbed.

Adam, their introspective 10-year-old son, was a child of few words. He found solace in the peaceful silence of their car rides home, his bright eyes often lost in thought, observing the world around him with a quiet intensity.

Meanwhile, Alice's husband, Simon, was busy managing their family-owned cafe located on the city outskirts. A charming eatery inherited from his father, it was a local favorite known for its homely ambiance and mouth-watering food. Simon's warm personality and knack for hospitality were the lifeblood of the cafe, but his dedication to the business often meant long hours away from home.

Despite Simon's frequent absence, Alice, Simon, and Adam remained a tight-knit unit, their love for each other anchoring them through the ebb and flow of their daily lives. Their home was a sanctuary of warmth and shared memories, echoing with quiet laughter and whispered stories. Alice was the constant in Adam's life, providing the nurturing environment he needed while also ensuring they both felt Simon's presence, even when he wasn't physically there.

Every evening, Alice and Adam would wait for Simon to return home, their dinner table holding a place for him. These simple, cherished moments served as a testament to their unyielding family bond. For Alice, these evenings were a source of deep contentment, a daily reminder of the strength and love within their family unit.

"How's school going, Adam?" Alice inquired, her voice gentle and patient as they stood at a bustling intersection. The red traffic light glowed like a stubborn sentinel against the descending twilight, halting their journey home temporarily.

"Okay," came Adam's succinct reply. His tone was flat, his words devoid of any discernible emotion - a typical response from him.

Alice pressed on, her maternal instinct nudging her to delve deeper. "Maybe something interesting happened?" she probed, her eyes still fixed on the glaring red light.

"No, nothing interesting happened," Adam responded, offering a fraction more detail than before. His gaze was fixated on the shifting patterns of the passing cars, his mind seemingly elsewhere.

Alice decided to address the matter that had been weighing on her mind. "The teacher told me that you insulted your classmate today," she stated, her voice a blend of concern and curiosity. "What happened?" she asked, hoping for a glimpse into Adam's world.

"I did not insult him. I just told him the truth," Adam retorted, a hint of defensiveness creeping into his otherwise monotone voice.

Alice's eyebrows furrowed slightly. "What truth?" she questioned, her foot easing off the brake as the traffic light finally bled into a soothing green.

Adam began to explain, his words measured and precise. "The truth about his birthday. Today is his birthday and his parents told him that it is a special day for him when all his dreams come true and that on this day all his friends and acquaintances should do everything to make him happy. I told him that this is not true and in fact, this is the most ordinary day, from which the countdown of his life started 10 years ago and this day serves only so that we can know his exact age."

As his explanation hung in the air, Alice found herself pondering the complexities of her son's perspective, a stark contrast to the seemingly simple world of his peers. His words, though blunt, held a truth that was often overlooked amidst the festivities and cheer of birthdays. While it was a difficult truth for most to accept, it was these moments that revealed the unique lens through which Adam viewed the world.

Adam was not your average 10-year-old. He had a unique penchant for surprising his mother, Alice, with his unconventional thoughts and observations. His words often carried an unusual depth that belied his tender years. However, Adam was no ordinary child - he was autistic. His mind functioned like a complex puzzle, his way of thinking vastly different from his peers.

Even as a toddler, Adam's extraordinary abilities were apparent. By the age of four, he could recite the multiplication table flawlessly, his young mind absorbing information like a sponge. When he turned seven, he astounded his parents by deducing on his own that he was adopted.This revelation, while initially frightening for Alice and Simon, was also a relief. They had been grappling with how to broach this delicate subject with their son, their fears looming large over the inevitable conversation.

Adam's autism, or his "specialty" as his parents affectionately termed it, posed certain challenges, particularly in social situations. He found it difficult to forge friendships with other children his age, his hobbies and interests setting him apart. He preferred the solitude of his own company, often immersed in books or expressing his creativity through drawing. His art was a window into his unique perspective, each stroke of his crayon a testament to his distinctive worldview.

He also cherished spending time outdoors with their family dog, his keen eyes observing the minutiae of nature with intense fascination. The rustling leaves, the industrious ants, the vibrant flowers - all of these held a captivating allure for Adam.

To help navigate his experiences, Adam attended weekly sessions with a child psychologist who specialized in working with autistic children. These meetings were a safe haven for him, a place where he could express himself freely without judgment.

Despite the challenges, Adam's life was not defined by his autism. Instead, it was merely a facet of his existence, shaping his experiences in ways that were as fascinating as they were unique. His parents celebrated his individuality, their love for their son unwavering in the face of adversity. In their eyes, Adam was not just their son - he was their beacon of hope, their source of joy, and their greatest surprise.

"Adam, not all children perceive things the way you do," Alice began gently as they pulled into their driveway, the crunch of gravel beneath the car tires punctuating her words. "Your... directness can sometimes upset them."

The porch light from their cozy home spilled onto the driveway, casting long shadows on the car's interior. Adam, his eyes reflecting the soft light, turned to his mother, his expression thoughtful.

"I was only telling the truth," he responded, his voice steady and matter-of-fact. "Is it bad to tell the truth? It's good to tell the truth," he added, his tone carrying a note of innocent confusion.

Alice sighed softly, her gaze shifting from Adam to their warmly lit house. She knew she was navigating delicate terrain, trying to explain the nuances of social interactions to her son.

"Yes.. That's good, but... Yes, you're probably right, dear. Telling the truth is, of course, good,” she finally conceded. The conversation had reached a point where she found herself out of arguments. With a slight smile at Adam, she turned off the car engine, the hum of the machine giving way to the calm evening sounds.

As the silence settled around them, she looked at Adam, his earnest face illuminated in the dim light. She knew that his unique view of the world was something to be cherished, even if it made certain situations more complex. In this quiet moment, she felt a surge of love for her extraordinary son, and a determination to help him navigate the world on his own terms.

The familiar warmth of their home welcomed Alice and Adam as they stepped inside. Alice, shedding her coat, directed Adam to change out of his school clothes. As he shuffled off towards his room, she made her way into the kitchen, rolling up her sleeves to prepare dinner.

Fifteen minutes later, the aroma of a simple but hearty meal filled the cozy kitchen. Alice and Adam seated themselves at the small wooden table, their dinner ritual illuminated by the soft glow of the overhead light. Simon, Alice's husband and Adam's father, typically arrived home around 10pm, so these quiet dinners had become a cherished routine for mother and son.

"Mom, can I go outside and play with Rocky?" Adam queried, his gaze drifting toward the window where their dog was visible, frolicking in the yard.

"Yes, dear, of course. As soon as you finish dinner, you can go play," Alice responded, her smile reflecting in her bright eyes.

Once dinner concluded, Adam made his way to his room, emerging moments later with his plant research equipment securely tucked under his arm. With a wave to Alice, he disappeared outside, leaving her to her evening chores.

Alice started by tidying up the kitchen, her movements efficient and methodical. She scrubbed the dishes clean, wiped down the counters, and swept the floor until it gleamed. Once satisfied, she moved on to the laundry, gathering the scattered clothes and tossing them into the washing machine.

Finally, she ventured into Adam's room. Though it was a little cluttered, it was a space that mirrored Adam's personality - orderly, yet brimming with curiosity. Bookshelves lined the walls, filled with an array of books and sketchpads. A desk sat against one wall, strewn with colored pencils and sheets of paper adorned with intricate drawings and notes.

While tidying up, Alice's eyes fell upon Adam's school bag, still packed from the day. "As always!" she thought to herself, her lips curving into a fond smile. She unzipped the bag and began to unpack it, her hands moving through textbooks, notebooks, and a smattering of pencils.

As she carefully sorted through his belongings, she couldn't help but marvel at her son's mind, so different yet so brilliant. Each item in his bag told a story of his day - a scribbled note here, a carefully drawn diagram there. They were glimpses into his world, pieces of a puzzle she was determined to understand.

Alice continued her evening routine, her thoughts occasionally drifting to Adam, outside exploring the world in his own unique way. These quiet moments, filled with the mundane tasks of daily life, were interspersed with flashes of extraordinary insight into her son's world. It was a balance Alice had learned to appreciate, a rhythm she had grown to love. It wasn't always easy, but it was their life - a life filled with challenges, surprises, and above all, love.

As Alice began to unpack Adam's school bag, her fingers brushed against the familiar texture of his sketchbook. She paused, a flicker of curiosity sparking in her eyes. Adam's drawings were often a window into his unique mind, their unusual themes providing much food for thought during discussions with his psychologist.

Deciding to take a peek at his recent creations, Alice opened the sketchbook, revealing page after page of intricate drawings. Initially, she was met with the usual array of fantastical creatures and exotic plants that were typical of Adam's art. His vivid imagination brought to life through bold strokes of color and detail.

However, as she delved deeper into the sketchbook, turning the crisp pages, Alice stumbled upon something new. A series of drawings featuring two boys who appeared strikingly similar, almost like twins. Their likeness was uncanny - the same hair, the same eyes, even the same smile.

In one drawing, the boys were holding hands, their faces brimming with joy. In another, they were engaged in a lively game of ball, their bodies frozen in mid-action. Yet another depicted them standing proudly in front of a building that bore an uncanny resemblance to Adam's school.

Alice was taken aback. Such drawings were unusual for Adam, who typically preferred to depict solitary figures or abstract concepts. Puzzled, she decided to seek clarification from the artist himself.

She made her way outside, the cool evening air brushing against her face as she scanned the yard for Adam. Upon finding him engrossed in his research, she approached him, sketchbook in hand.

"Honey," Alice started, her hands gently cradling Adam's sketchbook. Her fingers traced the outlines of two boys who mirrored each other. "I was sorting your backpack and found myself drawn to your sketches. Could you tell me what these pictures signify and who these boys are?"

"It's me and my new friend," Adam answered, his voice steady and unambiguous.

"Friend?" Alice echoed, a hint of surprise woven into her tone. This was news to her. "I didn't know you had a new friend. Why didn't you mention him earlier?"

Adam hesitated, his gaze flitting between Alice and the sketchbook. "I thought you wouldn't believe me," he admitted.

Alice furrowed her brows, curiosity piqued by Adam's unusual reluctance. "What exactly would I find unbelievable?" she queried, her eyes probing Adam for answers.

"He…" Adam began, his eyes momentarily dropping to his hands. "He's my twin," he declared, the words resonating in the silence that followed.

Alice blinked, taken aback by this unexpected disclosure. "What do you mean by 'twin'?" she asked, attempting to decode Adam's unique perspective.

“He looks exactly like me,” Adam clarified, his tone nonchalant. “His name is Arthur. We play together outside the school almost every day while I wait for you to pick me up,” he added, a note of satisfaction creeping into his voice.

Alice found herself momentarily speechless, bombarded with questions. However, she chose not to press Adam for more details. Instead, she resolved to arrive early at school the next day, keen to meet this enigmatic 'twin' who had suddenly become part of her son's life. As she watched Adam return to his activities, she marveled at the endless journey of understanding her uniquely wonderful son.

The following day, Alice set off early and arrived at Adam's school a full hour ahead of her usual time. She parked her car a little distance away, about 50 meters from the school building. From this vantage point, she had a clear view of the school's main exit. This was where she usually picked Adam up and where he claimed to meet his 'twin' after school.

Alice settled into her seat, her eyes trained on the school exit. She glanced at her watch every now and then, her heart pounding slightly with anticipation. According to what Adam had told her, he should have been out by now. Yet, the exit remained devoid of her son's familiar figure. The minutes ticked by, each one stretching into what felt like an eternity.

Finally, Alice decided she couldn't stand the suspense any longer. She unbuckled her seatbelt and stepped out of the car, her gaze still fixed on the school's entrance. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts. She was about to embark on a journey to understand another piece of her son's world, and she could feel a knot of nervous excitement in her stomach.

With a final glance at her watch, Alice began her walk towards the school. Each step took her closer to unraveling the mystery of Arthur, Adam's supposed 'twin'. As she approached the school, she couldn't help but wonder what she would find. Would there really be a boy who looked exactly like Adam? Or was this another unique way in which Adam experienced the world around him? Either way, she was determined to understand and support her son.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Cage," Alice greeted as she stepped into the staff room. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and stacks of papers filled the room, a testament to the everyday life of a teacher.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Green," returned the teacher, her face lighting up with recognition. "How is Adam?" she inquired, her voice laced with concern.

Alice frowned at the question, surprise flickering in her eyes. "What do you mean?" she asked, puzzled.

"Adam informed me about two hours ago that he wasn't feeling well, and that you were on your way to pick him up from school and take him to the doctor," Mrs. Cage explained, her brows furrowed in confusion.

"What? I didn't take Adam!" Alice exclaimed, her heart pounding in her chest. The realization hit her like a brick - her son had left school on his own, and now nobody knew where he was.

Without wasting another moment, Alice dashed out of the staff room. Her mind was a whirlwind of worry as she sprinted around the school, her eyes scanning every corner for Adam. She darted onto the basketball court, her gaze sweeping over the children engrossed in their game, hoping to spot Adam's familiar figure among them. But he was nowhere to be found.

Alice continued her frantic search, rushing through the school's corridors. She peeked into every classroom, her heart sinking further with each empty desk she encountered. As she searched, she pulled out her phone and dialed her husband's number, her voice shaking as she relayed the frightening news - their son was missing.

After a grueling twenty minutes, Alice had covered the entire school grounds, including the yard, but there was still no sign of Adam. Her heart pounded heavily in her chest, her mind swirling with fear and worry.

Alice found herself propelled by a mother's instinct, her feet pounding against the pavement as she ran down the school street. Her voice echoed off the buildings, "Adam!" she called out, her heart lodged in her throat. She approached shop assistants and passers-by, showing them Adam's picture and asking if they had seen him. Her pleas were met with apologetic shrugs and sympathetic frowns.

An hour ticked by, feeling like an eternity. Alice and her husband drove around the neighborhood, their eyes scanning every nook and cranny, every face they passed. The fear gnawing at Alice's heart was relentless, each passing minute amplifying her worries.

Just as despair was about to take hold, Alice's phone rang. It was Mrs. Cage. "Mrs. Green! We found Adam! He's back at school, he's fine!” the teacher exclaimed, her voice brimming with relief.

Alice felt a rush of relief so strong it made her dizzy. She quickly turned the car around, driving back to the school as fast as she safely could. Seeing Adam standing there, safe and sound, Alice and her husband rushed out of the car to hug him tightly.

"Son, I was very worried! Where have you been?" Alice asked, her voice trembling with a mix of relief and lingering fear.

"I wanted to walk down the street, but some bad people started pushing me and almost beat me. They wanted to make me feel bad," Adam explained, his voice steady despite the frightening experience. "I was able to escape from them," he added, with a certain air of bravery.

"Oh, Adam! Never go anywhere alone again! Promise me,” Alice pleaded, her hands cupping his face as she looked into his eyes.

"I promise!" Adam replied earnestly, wrapping his arms around his mother in a comforting hug.

Alice held Adam close, her heart still pounding from the scare. She took him by the hand and led him back to the car. They buckled up, and with one last glance at the school, they drove home, grateful for the safe return of their beloved son.

The car ride home was filled with silence, broken only by Alice's voice as she expressed her worries and fears about Adam's disappearance. Her words hung heavy in the air, painting a vivid picture of the panic she had felt when she realized he was missing.

Adam sat quietly in his seat, his hands fidgeting in his lap. He didn't say much, but every now and then, he would glance at his mom and apologize. His voice was soft, barely above a whisper, yet it carried the weight of his regret.

As they pulled into their driveway, Adam unbuckled his seatbelt and got out of the car. He walked towards the house, his steps slow and thoughtful.

"What, you won't even say hello to Rocky?" Alice asked, gesturing towards their family dog who was wagging his tail excitedly at their arrival.

"Yes, of course," Adam replied, changing his course to greet Rocky.

But as he approached, Rocky's friendly wagging turned into aggressive barking. The sudden change startled both Alice and Adam.

"Rocky! What's wrong with you? Why are you barking at Adam?” Alice asked, rushing to intervene.

"Maybe I smell bad. Those bad guys pushed me into the trash can,” Adam explained, his voice calm despite the unusual behavior from Rocky.

Alice frowned, puzzled by Rocky's reaction. The dog adored Adam, and had never acted like this before. It was all very strange.

Shaking off the confusion, Alice led Adam inside the house. As per their usual routine, Alice headed to the kitchen to start preparing dinner, while Adam went upstairs to change out of his school clothes. Despite the unusual events of the day, life had to go on.

Adam reappeared in the kitchen after ten minutes, but something was amiss. He was wearing a shirt Alice had never seen him wear at home before.

"Why did you wear that t-shirt?" Alice asked, her eyebrows knitting in confusion.

"Umm... I wanted to wear it today," Adam replied nonchalantly, taking a seat at the table.

Strange, thought Alice, her mind whirling with questions. But she brushed them aside, attributing it to the day's unsettling events.

With a forced calmness, Alice began to set the table. "Eat," she said, placing a plate in front of Adam. "You must be hungry," she added, attempting to keep the conversation light. Yet, deep down, she couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off about Adam. His mannerisms were different, his speech slightly altered, and his responses not quite the same as before. She tried to convince herself it was due to the stress of the day's events.

What happened next, however, was truly alarming. When Alice returned to the table, she found Adam eating beans in tomato sauce - a dish he had always detested. In fact, she usually only prepared it for herself because Adam wouldn't even be able to stand the sight of it.

"Adam?" Alice asked, her voice filled with surprise. "Are you eating beans in tomato sauce?"

"Yes, mother! It's delicious, thank you!" Adam responded cheerfully, a stark contrast to his usual aversion to the dish.

"You've always hated beans in tomato sauce," Alice stated, her mind struggling to make sense of the situation.

“Um…” Adam hesitated, then offered a smile. "I didn't like them before, but now I've tasted them and they're delicious," he explained, leaving Alice even more bewildered than before.

Alice was at a loss. The boy sitting before her looked like her son, but his actions were so unlike Adam that Alice felt as if she was dealing with a stranger. Her gaze dropped to Adam's wrist, where a brightly colored bracelet caught her eye. It bore the name of the local amusement park, a place they had never visited.

"Adam, where did this bracelet come from?" Alice asked, her voice filled with confusion. "We've never been to that amusement park."

"I..." Adam hesitated, his eyes darting around the room. "A classmate gave it to me," he finally said.

Alice frowned. "Return it to your classmate tomorrow, okay? We shouldn't keep things that belong to others," she advised.

"Yeah, okay mom," Adam replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

Choosing to change the subject, Alice asked, "How's your relationship with Peter? Is he still upset with you?”

Adam's brows furrowed in confusion. "What are you talking about?" he asked, his voice laced with genuine perplexity.

"About the argument you two had yesterday," Alice clarified.

"I..." Adam started, his eyes wide and confused. "He... He's not upset anymore," he said, though his tone suggested that he was clueless about the situation Alice was referring to. Alice noticed this discrepancy.

"Adam, are you okay?" Alice asked, her heart heavy with worry.

"I'm tired. I'd rather go to my room," the boy replied, effectively ending the conversation. Alice watched him leave, her mind swirling with unanswered questions.

Adam remained within the confines of his room for the rest of the day, leaving Alice alone in the kitchen, anxiously awaiting Simon's return. She needed to discuss the strange occurrences surrounding their son.

The moment Simon walked through the door, Alice beckoned him into the kitchen. "Simon," she began, her voice filled with worry. "There's something strange about Adam."

She recounted the day's events - Rocky's sudden aggression towards Adam, his inexplicable change in food preferences, the unfamiliar bracelet and his odd behavior concerning a recent school incident with a classmate.

Simon listened intently, his brow furrowing as he took in the information. After a moment of silence, he finally responded. "It does all sound strange," he admitted. "But Adam had a stressful day. Maybe these changes are just his way of coping?"

"But he's become more talkative,” Alice protested, trying to make Simon understand her unease.

"Honey, maybe that's a good thing? Perhaps this situation will help him break free from his shell?" Simon suggested, trying to find a silver lining in their son's strange behaviour.

"I don't know, Simon," Alice sighed, feeling tired and overwhelmed. "To me, it's all just too strange." With that, she bid him goodnight and retired to bed, her mind still swirling with unanswered questions.

Alice had a high-stakes meeting at work that day, a meeting she'd been preparing for weeks. However, she was completely unprepared for the phone call that would disrupt her day and raise even more questions about her son.

In the middle of her presentation, Alice's phone vibrated in her pocket. She discreetly glanced at the screen and saw Mrs. Cage's name flash across it. Mrs. Cage was Adam's teacher, and she hardly ever called unless it was something serious.

"Excuse me," Alice said to her colleagues, stepping out of the room to answer the call. "Hello, Mrs. Cage. I'm sorry, but I'm in an important meeting. Has something happened?" she asked, anxiety creeping into her voice.

"It's about Adam," Mrs. Cage replied, her tone heavy with concern.

"What's wrong with him?" Alice asked, her heart pounding in her chest.

"He's acting... oddly," Mrs. Cage explained. "In his logic class, he performed poorly on his homework, which is unlike him as he's usually the best in that subject. But strangely enough, he excelled in P.E., a subject he typically struggles with. And then there was an incident today where he got into a fight with a classmate. He's never had any behavioral issues before." The teacher's voice was laced with confusion and worry. "I think it's best if you come pick him up and have a talk with him at home," she suggested.

Alice's mind was racing. "Yes, yes, of course. I'll be there right away," she said, ending the call.

"Mr. White, I hate to do this, but I must leave for my son's school immediately. We've... we've run into some issues. Could we possibly reschedule our meeting for tomorrow?" Alice asked, her voice shaking with worry.

"Absolutely, Alice. Family comes first. I'll see you tomorrow," Mr. White responded understandingly.

Alice rushed out of the office, her mind buzzing with concern. She hurried to her car, her steps quick and heavy. As she drove towards the school, her thoughts circled around Adam. The boy she had known as her son seemed to have changed overnight. It was as if he had been replaced by a stranger wearing his face. The phrase 'he was replaced' echoed ominously in her head, though at that moment, she didn't take it literally.

She gripped the steering wheel tighter, her knuckles turning white. Her heart pounded in her chest like a drum, matching the rhythm of her racing thoughts. The road ahead seemed to blur as her mind filled with images of Adam - his smile, his laughter, his quirks. But lately, those familiar traits seemed to be fading away, replaced by behaviors that were foreign to her.

She remembered his confusion over the incident with Peter, his newfound love for beans, the amusement park bracelet, and now, the call from Mrs. Cage. Each piece of the puzzle made her feel like she was losing her son bit by bit.

Unbeknownst to Alice, the phrase 'he was replaced' would soon take on a literal meaning, shocking her to her core. But for now, all she could do was rush towards the school, hoping that she could make sense of the strange transformations happening to her son.

Alice's heart pounded in her chest as she arrived at the school. She hurried inside, her fear mounting as she approached Adam's classroom. Mrs. Cage greeted her with a solemn expression.

"Alice," she began, "Adam...he just isn't acting like himself."

Alice's gaze fell on Adam, standing quietly in the corner of the room. His shirt was stained with blood, a sight that sent a shiver down her spine. "He got into a fight with a classmate today," Mrs. Cage explained. "And he was the one who started it."

Alice found it hard to reconcile this image of a violent Adam with the gentle boy she knew. But the evidence was right there in front of her eyes.

The drive home was filled with an oppressive silence. Alice couldn't bear it any longer. "What's wrong with you, Adam? Why are you acting so strange?" she asked, her voice shaking.

"I'm sorry, Mommy," Adam replied.

Alice's heart clenched. "You've never called me mommy before! You're like a different person, Adam! What's happened to you?" she cried out, but Adam remained silent.

Once home, Alice took Adam straight to the bathroom to clean him up. As she helped him take off his shirt, her breath hitched. Adam's back was devoid of the familiar birthmark he had always had.

Alice recoiled, her eyes wide with terror. "You're not my son," she whispered.

"Mom, what are you saying?" the boy asked, confusion etched on his face.

"YOU'RE DEFINITELY NOT MY SON!" Alice screamed, her hysteria reaching its peak. "ADAM HAD A BIRTHMARK ON HIS BACK! I SAW IT JUST A FEW DAYS AGO!"

"Mom! You must be mistaken!" the boy protested, but his words fell on deaf ears. Alice was sure. This boy was not her Adam.

"I'm calling the police! Either you tell me where my son is or I'll explain the situation to them," Alice threatened, her voice trembling.

"No, wait! Don't call the police," the boy pleaded. "I'll tell you everything. They...they took him. Now it's his turn."

Alice felt a chill run down her spine. "So, it's true? You're not Adam?" she asked, barely able to get the words out.

"No, my name is Arthur," the boy confessed.

The name struck a chord in Alice's memory. She recalled Adam's drawings, the ones featuring a twin friend named Arthur. "Could it be?" she muttered under her breath. The possibility that Adam had a twin brother she knew nothing about was both astounding and terrifying.

"Who are you? Where did you take him? What are they doing to him? How can I find him?" Alice demanded, her voice rising in panic.

"They...they exploit kids for money. They make us beg in public places. I was one of those kids," Arthur began, his voice shaking. "I met Adam near his school one day and we started talking. He told me about his family, and I...I wanted to experience that too. So yesterday, I suggested we swap clothes as a joke. We changed, and I left him in our basement while I came to school pretending to be him."

Alice felt her heart lurch in her chest. "I'm calling the police! You're going to show us where this basement is," she declared resolutely. She reached for her phone, her hands shaking.

Dialing 911, she waited anxiously for the operator to pick up. "Hello, I need help," Alice began, struggling to keep her voice steady. "My son has been kidnapped by a group exploiting children for money. I have the boy who replaced him here with me. He's willing to show us where they're keeping my son."

The operator assured her that help was on the way and advised her to keep Arthur with her until the police arrived. Alice ended the call, her heart pounding in her chest. She immediately dialed her husband, Simon.

"Simon, it's urgent," she began, her voice breaking. "Adam...he's been kidnapped. The police are on their way. I need you to come home now."Within five minutes, the wailing sirens of a police car echoed in the quiet neighborhood, pulling up to Alice's house. A uniformed officer stepped out, his face etched with determination and concern.

"Good afternoon, ma'am," he said, tipping his hat as Alice flung open the front door.

"Good afternoon," Alice replied, her voice choked with worry. "Please, come in quickly," she urged, her heart pounding in her chest. She led the officers through the maze of rooms to the second floor where Arthur had been left.

However, when Alice and the officer entered the room, they were met with an empty space. The window was wide open, the curtains fluttering in the breeze. There was no sign of Arthur. He had fled.

Alice collapsed into a chair, tears streaming down her face. The reality of the situation hit her hard - Adam was gone, and the only lead had just escaped. She felt a gnawing emptiness, a mother's worst nightmare come true.

When Simon arrived home, he found Alice a wreck, her eyes red and swollen from crying. She clutched a small pill bottle - a sedative prescribed by their family doctor for emergencies. She had given her statement to the police, but their response was not encouraging. They explained that the city was vast, filled with criminal elements and gangs that Arthur could be referring to. Finding Adam would be like finding a needle in a haystack.

Alice understood then that she couldn't rely on the police to find her son immediately. The bureaucratic process would take time, and time was something she didn't have. So, she made a decision. She would start her own investigation, comb every corner of the city if she had to. Because a mother's love knows no bounds, and she wouldn't rest until she found her son.

After the police left, Alice found herself sitting in the quiet house, her mind racing. She replayed her conversation with Arthur over and over again, trying to pick up on any clues she might have missed. What had he said? Where had he looked? How had he behaved?

She remembered his nervous glances, the way he avoided eye contact. She recalled how his voice shook as he spoke about the group of children, how he hesitated before revealing his true identity. She thought about the blood-stained shirt, the absence of Adam's birthmark, and the fear in Arthur's eyes when she threatened to call the police.

And then it hit her - the bracelet. A colorful band of plastic loops that circled Arthur's wrist, marked with the logo of a local amusement park. "Of course!" she exclaimed out loud. Arthur had mentioned crowded places, and what place was more crowded than an amusement park?

With renewed determination, Alice quickly put on her coat and rushed to her car. As she drove through the city streets, her heart pounded in her chest. Her hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, her knuckles turning white.

She felt a mixture of fear, anxiety, and anticipation. Fear for Adam's safety, anxiety about what she might find at the amusement park, but also a spark of hope. Hope that she was on the right track and that she might find her son soon.

Her mind raced as she navigated the traffic, her foot pressing harder on the accelerator. Every second counted now, and she couldn't afford to waste any time. Each streetlight she passed under cast long, ominous shadows around her, mirroring the uncertainty that cloaked her heart. But she kept driving, propelled by a mother's love and the desperate need to find her son.

Alice parked her car in the amusement park's lot, her heart pounding as she hurried towards the entrance. Her eyes darted around the crowd, searching for any sign of her son. Suddenly, her gaze fell on a figure standing near the entrance - a boy with Adam's build, Adam's hair.

"Adam," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. Breaking into a run, she started moving towards him. "ADAM!!!" she screamed, her voice echoing through the bustling park. The boy turned at the sound of his name and began to run towards her. A moment of relief washed over Alice, but it was short-lived.

Without warning, a man emerged from the throng of people, swooped down on Adam, and hustled him into a waiting car. Before Alice could react, the car sped off, disappearing into the distance.

Panicked, Alice flagged down a passing taxi. "Follow that car! Please!" she cried, pointing in the direction the car had gone. As the taxi picked up speed, Alice dialed 911, her hands shaking as she relayed the events to the operator.

The police instructed her to share her geolocation via messenger for them to track her. Fumbling with her phone, Alice navigated through the settings, trying to find the option to share her location. But just as she found it, her phone screen went black. Her battery had died.

Just then, the taxi driver spoke up, "I'm sorry, ma'am, but I can't go any further. This is an industrial zone, and entry is restricted without a pass." Alice felt a wave of despair wash over her. She quickly handed the driver a $100 bill and stepped out of the car.

She stood there, staring at the fences and looming factories of the industrial zone, feeling utterly helpless. But she knew she couldn't give up. Not when her son's life was at stake. Alice took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and started walking towards the industrial zone. She would not stop until she found Adam.

Alice’s heart pounded in her chest as she hoisted herself over the fence and landed with a soft thud on the other side. She was now in an area that was starkly different from the vibrant amusement park she had just left behind. It was an industrial zone, a maze of warehouses and factories, all silent and looming ominously under the dim light.

She started her search, weaving her way through narrow alleyways between the buildings, her eyes scanning for the car that had taken away her son. The air smelled of oil and rust, mingling with the distant scent of the sea. Piles of discarded metal parts lay scattered around, and the occasional scurrying of rats echoed in the silence.

After what felt like an eternity, Alice spotted the familiar car parked beside an old warehouse. Its paint was chipped, and its windows were tinted dark, giving it a menacing look.

With a mix of fear and determination, Alice approached the warehouse. She took a deep breath and knocked on the door. The man who opened the door looked every bit the part of a bandit - scruffy beard, piercing eyes, and a scar running down his cheek.

"What do you need!?" he growled, looking at Alice with suspicion.

"I'm looking for my son," replied Alice, her voice steady despite the fear gripping her. She quickly explained about the twin brother they never knew of, and how he had switched places with Adam.

The man didn’t even let her finish. Roughly, he grabbed her arm and pulled her inside the dimly lit warehouse. He barked orders at his accomplices, and before she knew it, Alice was being hauled down into a cold, damp basement.

The bandit explained in a gruff voice that their operation did not involve children with families, to avoid drawing attention. Due to this unexpected twist, they had no choice but to get rid of Alice and her son. As he locked the basement door behind him, he left Alice with a chilling statement - they were now prisoners, trapped until the gang decided how and where to dispose of them.

Alice was roughly pushed into the basement, the heavy door slamming shut behind her. The basement was cold and dank, the air heavy with the smell of mold. The only light came from a small window high up on one of the walls, casting long shadows that danced on the damp stone floor. Broken furniture and old boxes were scattered around the room, covered in a thick layer of dust.

In the dim light, she saw a figure huddled in the corner. It was Adam, or at least, she was convinced it was him. She rushed towards him, pulling him into a tight hug. Tears streamed down her face as she apologized profusely for not noticing the switch sooner. The boy, looking just like Adam, apologized too for leaving school without her permission.

As they sat there, comforting each other, Alice's gaze fell on a series of pipes running along one wall of the basement. They seemed to lead out of the building, disappearing into the darkness outside through the small window. Her heart skipped a beat as an idea formed in her mind. "Perhaps there is someone in the neighboring building," she thought.

With newfound hope, Alice picked up a small pebble from the floor and began tapping on the pipe. She tapped out the 'SOS' signal - three short taps, three long taps, three short taps. She hoped against hope that someone would pick up on the signal and call for help.

For thirty minutes, Alice sat there, tapping out her desperate plea for help on the cold, metallic pipe. All the while, she held Adam close, whispering words of comfort and reassurance. Despite their dire circumstances, she felt a glimmer of hope. She had found her son, and now, they just needed to find a way out.

Alice and the boy were huddled together in the cold basement when the door suddenly creaked open. A bandit stepped inside, his arms laden with sacks. He moved towards them, his face a mask of indifference as he placed the sacks over their heads and tied their hands. Alice felt a wave of terror wash over her as she was led out of the basement. Her heart pounded in her chest, each beat echoing the grim thought - this is the end.

They were roughly guided into a vehicle parked near the warehouse. The engine started, its low rumble adding to the ominous atmosphere. But then, the unexpected sound of a police siren cut through the tension. Shouts followed, "Everyone stand and raise your hands!"

Relief surged through Alice as the bandits were swiftly apprehended by the police. She and the boy, along with several other children, were freed from their captors. Alice had thought that her SOS signals had worked, but a police officer shared the surprising truth - it was the boy who had alerted them.

Alice turned and saw Arthur sitting in the back of a police car. Realization dawned on her - he was the one who had saved them all. She felt a rush of gratitude and walked over to him.

"Arthur," she began, her voice choked with emotion. "Why did you come back? Why did you call the police?"

Arthur looked at her, his eyes filled with a strange mix of fear and hope. "I just wanted a family," he said quietly. "In the two days I spent with you, I realized what it's like to be part of a family. It felt... nice."

There was a pause before he asked the question that left Alice speechless. "Will you become my family?" His voice was small, almost a whisper, but the weight of his words struck Alice like a thunderbolt.

She stood there, shocked and caught off guard. She looked at this boy who had risked his life to save her and her son, a boy who was longing for a family. She didn't know what to say. Her mind was a whirl of thoughts and emotions. She looked at him, lost in thought, unsure of what her answer should be.

Two months had flown by in a flurry of paperwork and meetings. Alice and her husband Simon found themselves sitting in the sterile office of the guardianship officer, their hearts pounding with anticipation.

Finally, the welfare worker looked up from the documents, a warm smile on her face. "Congratulations on your adoption. Now, you are Arthur Green's parents,” she declared.

A wave of joy washed over Alice and Simon. They turned to Arthur, his eyes sparkling with happiness and hope. They both embraced him, their hearts filled with a strange mix of relief and excitement. This was a new beginning, a chance to give Arthur the family he had always wished for, and they were ready to make it happen.

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Liam visits his Grandpa's overgrown grave to say goodbye, only to find cryptic coordinates engraved on the tombstone. He follows the trail to a railway station's cloakroom and unravels a chilling secret about his father. Here's the full story.

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