Our lives changed dramatically when Sarah, my wife, got a new job that required us to move to a different city. We were optimistic about the future, even though it meant uprooting everything.

“We need this, Daniel,” Sarah said. “It’s a fresh start, and it’s good for our future.”

“I agree,” I replied, “and it’s important for Derril too.”

Our son, Derril, was excited about the move, especially because his new school offered soccer, his favorite sport.

“I’m happy about the move, Dad,” he told me while we were shopping for soccer shoes. “My old school didn’t care about soccer.”

Months later, I was settling into my work-from-home routine, but I noticed Derril becoming more withdrawn. One day, I found him crying in his room and learned that he was upset about his new soccer coach, Mr. Sanders, hugging Sarah after practice. Derril thought Mr. Sanders was trying to replace me.

Determined to understand, I followed Sarah to the soccer field the next day. I watched from a distance as Mr. Sanders leaned in too close to Sarah. Suspicious, I confronted her that night.

“Sarah, what’s going on with you and Mr. Sanders?” I asked.

She explained that Mr. Sanders was helping her because a dangerous man from his past was stalking her. I was shocked but relieved to know he was trying to protect us. Mr. Sanders showed us evidence of the man’s criminal activities.

The next evening, Derril screamed that there was someone outside his window. I rushed to his room, and sure enough, a shadowy figure was lurking outside. The police arrived quickly and arrested the man, confirming he was the stalker Mr. Sanders had warned us about.

The next day, Mr. Sanders apologized and explained that he recognized the man from his troubled past. While grateful for his help, I couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. Though the immediate danger was gone, I no longer felt safe living near Mr. Sanders, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to stay in the city.