I didn’t answer. That afternoon, I went to the grocery store on normal errands, and right as I reached for a can of soup I heard a voice behind me.
It was Rachel.
She looked tired but genuine. We stood in the aisle and she said something I didn’t expect.
“Ellie’s done this before. She fakes things. Crises. Drama. Ever since we were teenagers. Once she faked a stalker to get an ex-boyfriend back. Another time she pretended to have a medical scare just to get out of a job she didn’t like.”
She swallowed. “Lying is how she survives. And Jacob is in too deep now. He’s used to the chaos. I think he thinks it’s normal. But it’s not.”
I studied her face. She meant every word.
“Rachel,” I said, “would you testify if it came to that?”
She looked shocked. Then nodded slowly. “Yes. If it helps him, I’ll do it.”
That night, I sat alone in my living room with the fire crackling beside me, and my phone buzzed with a voicemail from Jacob. His voice was ragged.
“Mom, Ellie’s missing. She left this morning and hasn’t come back. Her phone’s off. I don’t know what to do.” A long pause. “I found your old ring box on the dresser. The one Dad gave you. It was open and empty.”
My heart stopped.