Page 16 of Evan

And then I hear it. The wailing of sirens, growing louder by the second. My stomach twists, fear and confusion warring within me.

"Molly," I whisper, my voice barely audible over the howling wind. "Chad."

I'm out of the truck in an instant, my feet pounding against the pavement as I race towards the house. I don't know what I'll find inside, what's happened here. But I know I have to find them to make sure they're safe.

I take the porch steps two at a time, my heart in my throat as I push open the ruined door. And then I freeze, my breath catching at the sight before me.

The house is in shambles, furniture overturned and belongings scattered across the floor. But there's no sign of Molly or Chad, no sign of where they might be or what's happened to them.

I move through the rooms, my eyes searching desperately for any clue, any hint of what's transpired here. But there's nothing, just an eerie stillness that sends chills down my spine.

As I stand in the middle of the chaos, the sirens drawing ever closer; I feel a wave of panic wash over me. Where are they? What's happened to them? And is it somehow my fault, a result of the harsh words and thoughtless actions that drove Molly away?

I don't know. I don't have any answers. All I know is that I have to find them to make sure they're okay. And to tell Molly how sorry I am, how much she means to me.

Before it's too late.

With a shaking hand, I pull out my phone, dialing Molly's number. It goes straight to voicemail, her cheerful greeting a stark contrast to the fear and uncertainty that grips my heart.

"Molly," I say, my voice rough with emotion. "It's Evan. I'm at your house and... and something's happened. Please, if you get this, call me back. I need to know you're okay. I need to know where you are."

I end the call, my hand clenching around the phone as I stare out at the empty street. The sirens are close now, the flashing lights of police cars illuminating the night.

But all I can think about is Molly and Chad, the two people who have come to mean more to me than anything in this world. And the sinking feeling in my gut that tells me something is very, very wrong.

I don’t know what’s going on, but I know one thing for certain.

I won't rest until I find them, until I know they're safe.

Nine

BETTY

Ican’t call it a night just yet—not after my talk with Evan. From a distance, I saw the hurt and frustration in Molly's eyes as she walked away from Evan at the tree lighting ceremony. My heart aches for them both, knowing how much they care for each other, and I wonder if Evan’s apology will be enough for Molly. I need to know where things stand between them at the end of tonight so I can plan for tomorrow.

But as I make my way towards Molly's house, a sinking feeling settles in my gut. Something's not right. And when I turn the corner and see the police car parked outside, lights flashing like a warning sign, I know my instincts were spot on.

I rush towards the house, my human legs going as they can, and push past the small crowd of gathering onlookers. I can hear the whispers, the concern in their voices, but all I can think about is Molly and Chad. I have to make sure they're okay.

Relief floods through me as I spot them emerging from the neighbor's house, Chad clinging to Molly's hand like a lifeline. They look shaken, but unharmed, and I send up a silent prayer of thanks to the big guy upstairs.

Evan’s truck is parked in front of the police car, and I spot him as he leaps off the front porch, running towards Molly and Chad with open arms. For a moment, I think everything's going to be okay, that this scare will finally bring them together.

But as Evan tries to wrap Molly in a hug, she pulls away, her eyes guarded and her shoulders tense. "I'm fine, Evan," she says, her voice tight. "We're fine.”

I can see the hurt flash across Evan's face, but he covers it quickly, nodding as he steps back. "I came to talk to you, to apologize, and then I saw the house." His voice is thick with emotion. “I was so worried.”

Molly softens a bit at that, but there's still a wall up, a hesitation in her eyes. “Someone broke in while we were gone and the place is a disaster, but Chad and I are both fine.” She exhales as she offers Chad a comforting smile, one that doesn’t quite reach her eyes. "I appreciate you coming, Evan. Really. But it's been a long night, and we're exhausted. I think we just need some time to process everything."

A police officer approaches Molly and Evan. “I’ve filed a report, but I’ll need you to come inside and get a detailed list of what’s damaged or missing.”

“Okay,” Molly smiles, but the gesture is hollow. The poor girl. “Thanks Ren. I’ll be insidein just a minute.”

As they're talking, I notice a commotion coming from down the street. A group of neighbors, armed with cleaning supplies and determined expressions, marches towards Molly's house like a tiny army of goodwill.

"Molly, honey, we heard what happened," Mrs. Henderson from across the street calls out, her voice filled with concern. "We're here to help get your house back in order. Many hands make light work, you know."

Molly's eyes widen, her mouth falling open in surprise. "Oh, Mrs. Henderson, everyone... You don't have to do that. It's so late, and I'm sure you all have your own families to take care of."

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