101. New Status 2

Dave played with his phone on the table, lost in thought. A smile spread across his face as he pressed a sequence of digits that were stored only in his memory. "I need your help," Dave said after the call was connected. After explaining the task to the person he called, Dave promptly disconnected and cleared the remaining conversation.

***

Alan approached Erika, who was sitting leaning against the back of the bed, her face displaying a dominant sense of unease. Alan smiled gently and sat beside Erika, holding her hand tightly. Alan knew what Erika was thinking about right now, who else but the man who had come with their niece, Aurora, earlier this evening.

"You must be thinking about Dave, right? I'm sure we're both thinking the same thing. That man looks so much like our friend, Ferdinand, doesn't he?" Alan said, instantly making Erika nod with a mix of anxiety and curiosity.

"Don't