When the Past Comes Calling: Reflecting on Sean's Disappearing Act

: When the Past Comes Calling: Reflecting on Sean's Disappearing Act

Yesterday, my phone buzzed with an unknown number. Normally, I would ignore it, but something nudged me to pick up. On the other end was Sean’s play godmother, frantic and screaming about how he’s been gone for a year. To say it was unsettling is an understatement.

Sean and I last spoke in January. During that conversation, he told me he was leaving and wasn’t coming back. The reason? The constant mistreatment he endured from his play sister and play mother. They’ve always seemed to dictate his life—telling him what he should or shouldn’t do—and it finally pushed him to the edge. Sean had enough and decided to disappear, something he’s been known to do when life becomes overwhelming.

Hearing from his play godmother yesterday brought all of those memories flooding back. I’ll admit, I was angry. Not at Sean, but at the situation. I had no idea why I answered the phone, but part of me hoped it was him calling. Instead, it was someone who had contributed to his unhappiness, now looking for answers.

What frustrated me most was the timing. For nearly a year, they’d shown no concern for Sean—at least none that I’d heard about. Now, as December rolls in, they’re suddenly panicking and reaching out to me, asking if I’ve been in contact with him. I told her the truth: I live in Chicago, Sean is in my prayers, and I haven’t heard from him since January.

Sean’s disappearing acts are his way of reclaiming peace, even if it’s not the most conventional approach. But the reality is, people can only take so much mistreatment before they seek refuge, even if that means cutting off everyone who’s ever wronged them. It’s not my place to judge his choices, but it is my place to respect them.

This situation has left me with more questions than answers. Why do people wait until it’s too late to show concern? What makes someone think they can mistreat others and expect loyalty in return? And more personally, why was I dragged into the middle of their mess?

For now, I’ll keep Sean in my thoughts and prayers. He knows how to reach me if he needs to. But as for his play sister and play godmother, they might need to reflect on their role in his departure before expecting anyone else to clean up the mess they helped create.

Sometimes, it takes stepping away from the noise to find clarity, and maybe that’s exactly what Sean is doing. I can only hope he finds the peace he deserves, wherever he is.