us's

ood at the edge of the park, desperation claw

oking fo

response before dis

e else? The thought twisted my stomach into knots. I couldn't bear the idea of her wandering off alone, especiall

ed to think but my brain kept giving b

to do when another message fr

or a house. No sign of her

s driving me nuts! What the h

my breath, the walls of my mind closing in. As the last rays of sunlight faded, a chill settle

lace we had shared: our favorite coffee shop, the little bakery down the stre

in that room, and now she was gone. My thoughts spiraled into a dark place. What if she had gone to conf

e back felt like an eternity, each second stretching into hours as I

drifting to her every second. I ma

ault or not, but I just wanted to find out to avoid

shadows creeping along the walls like specters. I rushed to the room, my heart pounding in m

answer. I moved through the house, calling her

l wanted to confirm things myself. Probably, she was p

, it's not the best idea. Come out and let's talk abo

I entered. The living room, the kitchen, and the bathroom were al

ing at straws. I grabbed my phone again, my

the phone is ringing, I held my b

art sank, and I cursed under my brea

y possible scenario. The front door creaked open, an

bling. "I've searched every inch of the house

over me. "She wouldn't ju

e pressing down on me. "What if she's gone to see he

on track when the housekeeper al

e call th

the authorities sent a jolt of panic through me. "We can'

then?" she asked, a hin

need to get to Jonathan first. If he knows she's missing..

ront him," she warned, co

my resolve. "If he's involved in this, I need

eaded for the door. "I'll

lders. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was losing her, that

gnawed at me: What if I was too late

thought of what lay ahead. I had to find her be