My daughter never returned home after prom—eleven months later, something I accidentally discovered hidden inside my son’s beanbag chair turned my face completely pale.

”

“I thought she’d come right back.”

Liam flinched.

I saw it.

I just misunderstood it.

Mr. Thomas stepped closer. “We’ve called the police. They’re checking the grounds. Her purse is gone, and her phone is off. Because she’s 18, this could have been her choice.”

“Her purse is gone?” John asked.

“Her purse is gone, and her phone is off.”