ISOLATION

Three days later, Leah still hadn't left her house or done any work. She had over thirty missed calls from Dazzle regarding work and to check on her after hearing that his brother had taken the kids from her again. She also hadn't heard from her children.

All she did was sleep, cry, and drink alcohol in a vain attempt to feel better. She had considered every possible way to get her kids back, but each plan she devised was futile.

This morning, she decided to get up and try to feel somewhat alive. Her phone rang for the thirty-fifth time; this time, it was an unknown number.

"Hello," she answered.

"Hey, Leah. I called to check on you. How are you doing?" Daz asked.

"Good. Who is this, please?"

"Dazzle. Please listen to me, don’t hang up. I know my brother has been unfair to you. It's just one of his ways of showing up, I know how it is. I’ve dealt with him before, but not in your situation. Moreover, he shouldn’t be the reason you stop working or earning a living for yourself."

"There’