Chapter 6: Gone in the Snow

When I got home after saying goodbye, the cold moon hung high and starlight scattered across the ground.

The night was quiet, the world hushed under a blanket of silver light. I stood on the porch for a long time, letting the chill seep into my bones, grounding me in the present.

I pushed open the door. Maria wasn’t there, waiting on the sofa like she usually did.

The house felt empty, the silence pressing in on me. I called out, hoping she’d answer, but the only reply was the echo of my own voice.

I called out, “Maria?” No response.

My voice sounded small, swallowed by the shadows. I felt a knot of worry tighten in my chest.

A strange unease crept over me. I pulled out my phone and called Uncle Jeff.

My hands shook as I dialed, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios. Uncle Jeff answered on the first ring, his voice calm and reassuring.

“Put out word through the Calloway network—find her for me…”

I didn’t bother with pleasantries, my words tumbling out in a rush. He promised to handle it, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

The clock ticked from nine to ten. I glanced out the window—pure white snow was falling, the wind biting—and there was still no word from Maria.

I paced the living room, watching the snow pile up on the windowsill. Every minute felt like an hour, the silence heavy with fear and anticipation.

Suddenly, my phone lit up. Uncle Jeff had sent me an address.

I snatched up my coat, adrenaline surging through me. Whatever waited at that address, I was ready to face it—because Maria was family now, and I wasn’t about to let her go without a fight.