On the edge of the sidewalk, he spotted a loose chunk of concrete. His hands trembled as he lifted it, whispering, “I’m sorry,” as though apologizing to the car itself. With all the strength his small arms could muster, he hurled it at the side window. The first strike only cracked it, but two more blows finally splintered the glass into shards.
Reaching carefully inside, Caleb unbuckled the sticky straps and lifted the infant out. The baby’s body was limp and clammy against his chest. Caleb rocked gently, murmuring, “It’s all right. You’re okay now.”
Just then, a startled voice rang out behind him. “What are you doing to my car?”
Caleb spun around. A woman rushed toward them, dropping two paper bags that split open across the asphalt. For a moment she looked furious at the broken window and the boy clutching her child. Then realization struck. Her anger dissolved into horror as she scooped the baby close, showering his damp face with frantic kisses. Tears filled her eyes as she whispered, “You saved him. I thought I’d only be a few minutes. I can’t believe what I’ve done. Thank you, thank you.”