Richard climbed back into the car and sat there, staring at the glowing station lights in his mirrors. He tried calling again. There was still no answer. His reflection stared back from the windshield—the confident man replaced by something smaller and uncertain. “She’ll be fine,” he whispered, but the hammering in his chest disagreed.
By morning, the dread was undeniable. He hadn’t slept, waiting for her to call or walk through the door with that quiet fury she always carried after his “jokes.” But the phone stayed silent. Her friends hadn’t heard from her. Even her sister hadn’t. For the first time, Richard felt real fear. What if his stupid prank had led her to some danger?