I looked at Austin, sprawled on the couch with his phone game. "Call Maya. Ask where she is. Tell her to come back once she's had enough fun."
He didn't even glance up. "Zoey, you need to learn to let go. It's better for Maya's development. You can't keep the kid glued to you twenty-four-seven."
Seeing my expression darken, Jessica scolded him half-heartedly.
"Zoey, don't stress. Those kids will come running the second they smell food. No need to worry."
The phone on the side table kept buzzing.
Annoyed by the interruption, Austin reached over and powered it off.
The clatter of mahjong tiles grated on my nerves.
I made an excuse about my lower back aching and stood up.
The moment I moved toward the door, my mother-in-law intercepted me.
"Zoey, if you can't sit still, go check out Jessica's place. She just built a karaoke room—have her take you to sing a few songs."
She shot Jessica a look, signaling her to follow me out.
Looking at their faces—every single one hiding something, terrified I'd go searching for my daughter—I gave up. I dropped onto the couch, cracking sunflower seeds and picking at the fruit.
When the clock struck twelve, the dread in my chest grew heavier.