The Door Opens and a Chilling Declaration
"What about him?" Cold dread shot through me, the wet shirt icy against my back. "Tell me! What’s wrong with my brother?" I demanded, my own voice rising. "He’s been unreachable—all day!" she cried out, tears flooding down. Not a quiet cry, but violent trembling, tears streaming uncontrollably. "His phone... it’s off! No emails, no texts! He... he’d never do this!" My mind went blank. My brother missing? Impossible—he was the most reliable man alive.
Ominous Premonitions and the Silence
"Maybe his phone died? Or he’s still on the plane?" I offered weakly, unconvincing even to myself. "The flight landed this afternoon!" she shrieked, grabbing my arm with bruising force, nails digging through the wet fabric. "I called the airline! They confirmed arrival! His colleagues... I rang them all—no one’s seen him!" Panic engulfed us like a tidal wave. Her grip was frigid, shaking like a leaf in wind. Brother vanished—the thought left me dizzy.
Initial Frenzy and Her Breakdown
"Don’t panic! Don’t panic, sis!" I sucked in a breath, forcing down the lump in my throat, nails biting my palm. Pain brought clarity. "Location! His phone has family tracking! Check it!" I blurted, grasping at straws. We stumbled into the living room. Her hands trembled so badly she fumbled the passcode. The screen’s glow lit her ashen face. Finally, the app opened—a green dot glowed on the map. "East Suburb Dawson Gas Station." A gas station? We stared, transfixed.
NEXT >>