Xavier

I paced back and forth in my living room, my phone glued to my ear as I tried calling Alice for the umpteenth time. An hour had passed since I started calling her, but she hadn't picked up. Worry creased my forehead as I wondered where she could be.

Desperate for answers, I decided to call Gloria. As soon as she picked up, I asked, "Gloria, have you seen Alice? She's not home, and she's not answering my calls."

Gloria's reassuring tone calmed me slightly. "Don't worry, Xavier. I'll try calling her. If she responds, I'll let you know."

I ended the call and quickly messaged Alice: "Where are...