The traffic light ahead turned red. I stopped, suddenly aware of how quiet the car felt. No kicking sneakers. No humming. Just the faint hum of the engine and the pounding of my own pulse.
My phone buzzed. I almost ignored it. Then I saw the name. SAMANTHA. I smiled automatically, relieved. “See? She’s probably just saying she forgot something.” I picked it up. The message read: I’m still here.
My breath stalled halfway in my chest. Another buzz followed immediately. Don’t panic. Please. Check the location app. And don’t go back inside alone.
The light turned green, but I didn’t move until the car behind me honked aggressively. “Dad?” Lucas’s voice trembled now. I opened the family tracking app with hands that no longer felt steady.
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