For three nights in a row, right around 2 a.m., we heard the same sound.
It was a faint rustling—like something moving through the bushes along the side of the house. At first, we assumed it was a raccoon or a possum. Nothing unusual. Nothing threatening.
But then came the whimpers. Quiet. Short. Like… someone quietly sobbing.
I wanted to investigate, but my partner brushed it off—probably just the wind, or animals fighting, they said. Still, something didn’t sit right with me.
So this morning, just after dawn, I followed the sound.
That’s when I saw it.
Huddled in the thick overgrowth near our fence was a small figure. At first, I assumed it was a stray—maybe an injured puppy or kitten. But as I got closer, my breath caught.
It wasn’t an animal.
It was a person. A teenage boy, barely older than a kid, curled tightly into himself, shivering, his face hidden in his arms. His clothes were torn, and his hair was matted with dirt.
I froze, stunned. He wasn’t just lost—he looked like he’d been through something harrowing.
I took a careful step forward. “Hey… are you okay?” I asked softly, not wanting to startle him.
He flinched at my voice, lifting his head just slightly. His eyes met mine—wide, frightened, and so tired it hurt to see. He didn’t say a word, just gave a small, hesitant nod.
I knelt down slowly, keeping my voice gentle. “Are you hurt? Do you need help?”
He shook his head but didn’t speak. His hands trembled, and he wouldn’t look at me again.
Everything in me screamed to help him, but I wasn’t sure what to do. Call the police? A shelter? Something about the way he looked at me—wary, uncertain—made me pause.
I glanced back at the house, then looked at him again. “Would you like to come inside? It’s warm. You can rest.”
He didn’t move at first. But after a long silence, he gave another small nod.
I stood and reached out my hand. “It’s alright. You’re safe here.”
His eyes flicked to my hand. Then, slowly, he reached out and took it. His grip was weak, and as I helped him to his feet, I realized how unsteady he was—like he hadn’t stood up in days.
I guided him toward the house and offered him a place to sit…