Chapter 145

Sarah hurried home at a brisk pace, though her heart was filled with anxiety. Her heart fully expected that when she got home, Franklin would already be in the living room, probably asleep on the couch with the television still on. However, when she opened the front door, the house was deserted. There was no sign of Franklin.

Sarah stood in the doorway, pensive for a moment, before small, hesitant steps approached from the direction of the kitchen. Vina, Franklin's sister, appeared with a worried look on her face. "Mama," she said quietly, her eyes full of worry. "Franklin has been unreachable since last night. I've tried calling him many times, but there's no answer."

Sarah felt her heart grow heavy. She set her bag down on the side table and sat in the chair by the door, trying to catch her labored breath. Her mind raced, trying to find a plausible explanation. "Maybe she just ran out of batteries, honey," Sarah tried to calm herself, though her voice sounded weak. "Or maybe she sle