Mia’s life was turned upside down when her ten-year-old son, Jack, returned from a weekend at his grandmother’s house with a disturbing revelation. Jack had overheard his grandmother and her boyfriend discussing a family tradition that would change everything. Mia’s world was rocked as she uncovered the truth about her husband’s family and the ritual that threatened to tear them apart.
At first, Mia was thrilled to see the change in Jack. He was helping out around the house, being more responsible, and showing a newfound sense of discipline. But as the days went by, Mia began to notice that something was off. Jack’s behavior was not just a result of good parenting, but a desperate attempt to prepare for a future without his father.
Mia’s investigation led her to a shocking discovery. Her husband, Ethan, was expected to participate in a family ritual that involved spending time alone in the wilderness with no tools or contact with the outside world. This tradition was meant to test the men in Ethan’s family, to build resilience and strength, but it came with a deadly risk. Some men never returned, and those who did were forever changed.
Mia was horrified. She couldn’t believe that Ethan had kept this secret from her, that he was willing to risk his life for a tradition that seemed barbaric and outdated. The tension between them grew, with Mia feeling angry, scared, and helpless.
As the days ticked by, Mia struggled to come to terms with the reality of their situation. She was desperate to find a way to convince Ethan to stay, to abandon the tradition and choose their family instead. But Ethan was resolute, feeling trapped by the expectations of his family and the weight of tradition.
Mia’s heart was breaking, not just for herself, but for her son, who was trying to prepare for a future without his father. She knew that she had to find a way to protect her family, to keep them together, no matter what. But as the clock ticked closer to Ethan’s departure date, Mia was running out of time.
