Chapter 2 of 5
A Boy Saved His Mother Before The Final Funeral Ceremony
Scratching Under Painted Wood
Leo pulled his shoulder away from his uncle's heavy hand with sudden determined strength.
He stepped back toward the white casket and listened intently once again for any noise.
A tiny muffled thud echoed distinctly from underneath the heavy silver latch on the side.
It sounded like a weak hand bumping against the soft velvet inner pillow repeatedly.
Leo's eyes grew wide with immediate hope and intense fear for his beloved mother's life.
Leo: She is breathing inside there right now!
Aunt Clara: Leo, darling, please do not make this harder on yourself.
Leo: I am telling the truth, Aunt Clara!
Aunt Clara: The doctor said she passed away quietly at the grand mansion estate.
Leo: The doctor was wrong because my mom is still alive!
The guests began whispering among themselves as tension filled the quiet chapel air instantly.
Uncle Richard took a fast step forward and pointed his finger angrily toward the door.
Uncle Richard: Director, please escort this distressed boy out to the main lobby immediately.
Funeral Director: Of course, sir, I will handle this matter right away.
The tall director walked quickly toward Leo with a very dark expression on his face.
Leo looked around the room frantically for anything he could use to defend his mother.
Near the side wall stood a silver metal maintenance cart holding heavy brass tools.
A thick steel hammer sat right on top of a clean white cloth on the cart.
Leo sprinted across the polished oak floor before anyone could catch his moving body.
He grabbed the heavy wooden handle of the hammer with both of his small hands.
Uncle Richard: Drop that heavy tool right now, Leo!
Leo: Stay away from me and let me help my mother!
Leo ran directly back to the white casket with the heavy hammer held high overhead.
The funeral director tried to grab his red hoodie, but Leo ducked down very quickly.
He swung the solid metal head of the hammer hard against the thick wooden casket lid.
A loud cracking sound echoed through the high ceilings of the solemn chapel hall instantly.
White paint splinters flew into the bright air as the wood fractured along the top edge.
Several women in the back row gasped in deep shock and covered their open mouths.
Aunt Clara: What are you doing to the sacred casket, Leo?
Leo: I am going to break her out of this box!
Leo swung the heavy tool a second time with every single ounce of his young strength.
The wooden lid broke open with a sharp splitting sound that shook the quiet room completely.
A small gap appeared along the top edge where the shiny metal hinges were attached.
Leo dropped the hammer onto the carpet and peered directly through the newly broken crack.
His breath caught in his tight throat as he looked down into the shadowy casket interior.
Two wide eyes looked directly back up at him through the small shattered opening in wood.
His mother Sarah was lying inside with thick clear tape holding her mouth firmly shut.
Her hands were tightly bound together at her wrists with strong yellow plastic zip ties.
She moved her head weakly and let out a very muffled cry for immediate help.
Leo: Mom is really alive inside here!