Richard’s locker remained perfectly untouched, his attendance record showed nothing but the word “absent.” The unease became too much for Shirley to ignore. She needed to see the truth for herself. After school, she walked to the Hale house. It was only a fifteen-minute detour, but every step felt slippery with fear.
She didn’t even know what she expected, maybe Richard would answer the door, embarrassed but safe. Maybe his mom would smile and explain everything. Instead, she reached a silent driveway. The blinds were drawn.