Left in the Dark: The Night a Babysitter’s Trust Was Broken

In my early twenties, I occasionally babysat a set of twins for their stunningly beautiful mom, who often went on dates. One night, she left for a date at 6 p.m., promising to return by midnight.

By 1 a.m., I began to worry; by 3 a.m., her phone went straight to voicemail. When I woke up at 7 a.m. with no sign of her, I called her parents, who seemed unfazed and promised to come over. After calling the non-emergency police number, I waited another hour. Finally, she arrived, laughing in a man’s t-shirt and heels, jokingly saying, “Oh my god! Call the police!” I never babysat for her again. She had turned her phone off, thinking I wouldn’t care.