024

Tears silently streamed down Hazel's face as she sat alone, her thoughts consumed by Wyatt. The weight of worry pressed on her, and a perplexing concern for him gripped her heart. As morning came, there was still no news of him, and Wyatt had been missing for more than twenty-four hours. Restlessly, she paced around the room, muttering to herself, "Where are you, Ruben? Where are you, Wyatt?" Every beat of her heart seemed to echo Wyatt's name, and the silence only intensified her anxiety.

Hazel made a decision not to go to the hospital; her mind couldn't focus on her work amidst the worry for the man who seemed to be the only one she could trust. She messaged Carol, letting her know she wouldn't be coming in. As the minutes ticked by, and there was still no news of Wyatt, she found it increasingly challenging to compose herself. The growing unease settled in her chest, and the quiet of her surroundings intensified the worry.

***

The evening descended with an air of urgency as Ruben