Chapter 144

Sarah sat in the living room of her quiet house, her eyes fixed on the clock that rang softly every second. It was already eleven o'clock at night, but Franklin, her son, hadn't come home yet. An uneasy feeling began to creep into her heart. Usually, Franklin would always let her know if he was coming home late, but tonight there was not a single text or call.

Outside, the evening breeze blew gently, carrying the scent of the jasmine flowers that Sarah always tended to in the front yard. However, that night, even the fragrance of her favorite flowers couldn't calm her anxious heart. She tried to think positively, maybe Franklin was just working late and forgot to give her news. But, as time passed, her worries deepened.

Sarah got up from the sofa, walking to the kitchen to make a cup of hot tea, hoping it would ease her anxiety. As she waited for the water to boil, her mind kept spinning. Did something happen at the office? Was Franklin okay? She decided to call Franklin's secretary,