My Son Screamed His Sister Was Locked Inside, But The Daycare Worker Kept Lying — Part 2

Previously: When Claire arrived at the daycare, her son Toby was sobbing by a safety gate, claiming his little sister was trapped inside. But the teacher insisted she had already gone home.

The Web of Lies

Claire’s maternal instinct flared like a warning siren. She knew Lily would never leave without her precious pink ribbon, which she wore like a shield of courage. More importantly, Claire had not authorized anyone else to pick up her children today. She stared at Megan, whose eyes were darting toward the security office at the end of the hall. The daycare worker's composure was rapidly crumbling.

"Who picked her up, Megan?"

Claire demanded, her voice dropping to a dangerous, low whisper.

"Give me a name."

Megan swallowed hard, her hand resting nervously on the pocket of her green blouse.

"It was... your sister-in-law. She had the proper paperwork. I didn't think to double-check."

A cold dread washed over Claire.

"I don't have a sister-in-law,"

she whispered.

"My husband passed away five years ago, and I am an only child. You are lying."

Claire grabbed the safety gate, shaking it with all her might. It was locked tight with an electronic keypad lock.

"Unlock this gate right now, or I am calling the police!"

she screamed, pulling out her phone.

At the mention of the police, Megan’s face drained of color. Instead of reaching for the keypad, she stepped closer, blocking the lock with her body.

"Please, Claire, don't do that. It was an honest mistake. Let's go to my office and sort this out. We don't need to involve the authorities,"

Megan pleaded, her voice trembling. She reached out, trying to grab Claire's arm, but Claire yanked herself away.

Suddenly, Toby pointed to the ventilation grate near the floor on the other side of the gate.

"Mommy, I heard her!"

he cried, wiping his nose on his sleeve.

"She was crying in the quiet room! Megan locked her in the quiet room because she wouldn't stop crying!"

Claire's blood ran cold. The quiet room was a tiny, windowless sensory room. It was never meant to be locked from the outside. Before Megan could stop her, Claire grabbed a heavy metal stanchion from the lobby and raised it high.