Seventy Two

Isabella sat in her parked car in front of her parents' house, her eyes staring blankly out the window. Today had been too long, she thought. After giving her testimony at the police station about the disappearance of her twin sister, Irene, and all the drama that followed, Isabella felt physically and emotionally exhausted. Memories of Irene continued to haunt her, and even now, in a place that should have made her feel safe—her parents' home—her mind was filled with anxiety she couldn't shake off.

Isabella slowly opened the car door, taking a deep breath to calm herself. The sound of the engine turning off signaled that the night was about to grow quieter. She stepped out, gently closing the car door, and walked slowly toward the house. This house had witnessed so many events in her life, from the warmth of her childhood to the crisis currently haunting her family.

As she reached the front door, Isabella paused for a moment, listening to the strong beat of her own heart. When the do