Chapter 31

In the quiet suburbs where the sleepy sun begins to perform its morning stretch across well manicured lawns, a growing sense of unease pervades the pomanaded upbringing of the Miller residence. Mr. & Mrs. Miller, faces drooped with worry, scour every corner of their spacious residence, calling for their youngest son Lilian.

“Lilian!” Lyra's voice quivers, breaking the morning's stillness. She glances at her husband, whose usually composed demeanour is now taut with anxiety. “Lilian… should have been back by now. He said he was going out to meet his friends at the park, but that was hours ago.”

“I have tried calling him, Lyra… but it goes straight to voicemail. I've texted him too, but no response.”

Lyra's mind is contaminated with all possible worst-case scenarios. “Wh- what if he's in trouble? This neighbourhood is safe, is it not?”

"Did you check his room again?" Mr. Miller asks, his brow furrowed, hands clenching and unclenching by his sides. He had already searched the nei