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LIAM

The sun was setting across the streets as I drove from one place to another, searching for Maxine. Each friend I visited had the same answer: they hadn't seen her. No one had seen her.

It was almost like she hadn't truly returned. My frustration grew with each passing second. Everywhere was a dead end. The only lead I had was from Ella, who had seen her briefly.

I couldn't shake off the feeling that I needed to find her, to explain myself. The truth was, I missed her more than I cared to admit.

Our late-night talks in her apartment, the way she moved around the kitchen while cooking, the sound of her laughter—they had become the highlights of my days. The intimacy we shared, the way she moaned when we were together, it had played on repeat in my mind for weeks.

My phone began to ring. I answered it, still driving. "Hello?"

"Liam," It was Varis, "any luck?"

I sighed, "None. It's almost like she's disappeared. There's no trace of her." I replied.

"Do you want me to send word to the