When my son Bobby came home from his first day of school, I expected stories of new friends and fun activities. But instead, I found a chilling message on his backpack that sent my mind spiraling. It read:“If your wife’s name is Jane, tell her to call SAM. I RECOGNIZED THE BABY!”

I dialed the number, but it went straight to voicemail. Confused and anxious, I showed the sticker to Jane when we got home. Her face went pale. “I don’t know who this is,” she said, but doubt started creeping in.The next day, we went to Bobby’s school to ask about the sticker. When we walked into his teacher’s classroom, Jane froze. “Sam??” she gasped.

It turned out Sam was Jane’s college best friend. They’d lost touch, and Sam, seeing Bobby, had sent the note as a joke to reconnect.“I didn’t think… I just wanted to make sure it was really you,” Sam said, clearly embarrassed.

I felt the weight of the last 24 hours hit me. I’d let fear and doubt consume me for nothing. Later that night, I apologized to Jane. “I’m sorry for doubting you,” I said.She smiled, holding my face. “You have nothing to apologize for. That sticker would’ve freaked anyone out.”we sat together, I made a vow to never let fear or doubt come between us again.