66 Words or Less

Panic
by: Kristin Cohn

Panic swallows me as my toddler crawls into a narrow drain pipe opening. Lunging to grab him, I miss and he disappears into the pipe.

I try coaxing him back with my words. He only giggles.

Seconds now become eternity.

I remember I have his pacifier. Holding my breath, I offer it.

Manipulated by desire, he takes the bait and crawls out.

Holding him, I weep.