The night passed slowly. I stayed by the window until my eyes felt too heavy to stay open. Even after I lay on the bed, I couldn’t sleep. I just kept thinking about Carson, Fred, and everything that had changed in just one day.
I finally drifted off a little before dawn.
When I woke up, Carson wasn’t back yet.
I checked my phone, there were no missed calls and no new messages.
I sat up and looked out the window again. The sky was cloudy and unclear.
Just as I stood up, I heard the front door open.
I rushed out of the room.
Carson was coming in, looking tired and slightly rough. His shirt was untucked. His eyes were red.
"You’re back," I said softly.
He looked up at me, nodded slowly, and closed the door behind him.
"Did you find her?" I asked.
Carson dropped his bag on the floor
