A pause. Long enough for thunder to grow louder outside.

“He went to buy food,” she said quietly. “Three nights ago. Or maybe four.”

Ethan’s fingers went cold.

“When was the last time you ate?”

“My tummy hurts,” she murmured. “I drank water but it tasted funny.”

That was enough.

He dispatched a unit immediately, then softened his voice.

“Listen to me, Mia. Officer Claire Nolan is on her way. She’s very kind. Can you stay on the phone with me?”

“…Okay.”

Across town, a patrol car rolled through wet streets, lights low but urgent.

The House That Looked Forgotten

Officer Claire Nolan slowed in front of a small cream-colored house.

It wasn’t destroyed—but it felt abandoned in a quiet, unsettling way. Newspapers stuck to the steps. The porch light flickered like it was struggling to stay awake.

She knocked gently.

“Mia? It’s Officer Nolan.”

The door cracked open. One eye peeked through.

“Are you real?”

Claire crouched, palms open.

“I’m real. And you’re not in trouble.”

The door opened wider.

Mia stood barefoot, wearing an oversized T-shirt. Under one arm was a worn stuffed bear with one loose button eye.