MALIA’S POV

"Hi, Malia. I'm so sorry for not being in touch. It's been crazy here," Sarah replied, her voice tinged with stress.

I let out a sigh of relief, feeling some of the tension leave my body. "Crazy how? And where's Ella? Is she okay?"

"She's fine, Malia. Ella's with my parents. We had a bit of a family emergency and I had to rush out of town. I should have called you, but everything happened so fast," Sarah explained.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions swirling inside me. "Okay, I understand. But next time, please, at least send me a text. I...