Ariel’s heart was racing with fear and anger. She couldn’t believe she’d fallen for the stranger’s trap. Her mind replayed the encounter, regret and worry gnawing at her. Why had she been so naïve? Why had she gone alone?
When she arrived home, her family noticed her unease immediately. Whitney and Benjamin exchanged concerned glances as Ariel walked in, her eyes downcast.
“Hey, sweetie, I thought you said you were running errands at the mall,” Benjamin asked, setting aside his laptop as he noticed Ariel came with empty hands. “Is everything okay?”
Ariel forced a weak smile.
“Nothing, Dad. Just a long day,”
Whitney approached her, gentle but firm.
“Ariel, we can see something’s bothering you. Tell us what happened,”
“Where are my babies?” She looked around.
“Sleeping, now tell u
