Missing

I stared at the empty space outside our window, my heart pounding against my ribs. The silhouette I'd been so certain was my grandfather had vanished into the darkness.

"It had to be a prank call. No way he could be missing." My voice was barely above a whisper. This had to be some terrible misunderstanding.

But Silas's expression told me everything I needed to know before he even spoke.

"Your grandfather is missing, Aurora. Has been for three days now."

A chill ran through me as the words sank in. I pulled away from the window to face him.

"Three days? He's been gone for three days and they're just telling us now?" My voice rose with each word, fear and anger rising in my chest. "Why would they wait this long?"

Silas's expression remained carefully measured, but I could see the concern in his eyes. "They thought they would find him quickly. They didn't want to worry you unnecessarily."

"Unnecessarily?" I echoed. "He's my grandfather, Silas. I deserved to know immediately!"

I moved past him, my mind already racing ahead. The strawberry jam still simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with its sweet aroma, but the comfort it had provided moments ago had evaporated completely.

"I need to go back to the city," I started mentally cataloging what I would need to pack. "Tonight, if possible. I can help with the search. I know his habits, his favorite places."

"Aurora, listen to me," Silas caught my hand gently as I passed. "If your grandfather is truly missing, rushing back to the city won't help find him any faster. The authorities are already searching, and with all the threats surrounding your family right now, this barn is the safest place for you."

"I can't just stay here while he's missing," I insisted and pulled my hand free. "We have the car. We could leave right now."

"Aurora." His voice was soft but firm. "Your grandfather sent you here specifically to keep you safe. Whatever is happening in the city—whatever led to his disappearance could put you in danger too."

I opened my mouth to protest, but he continued.

"First thing tomorrow morning, I'll drive to the city myself. I'll check the situation, speak with the authorities, and bring back any information I can find. I promise."

His logic was sound, but the thought of staying behind while he went to the city felt unbearable.

"I can't just sit here and do nothing."

"I know." He drew me closer, his arms encircling me in a protective embrace. "But you need to keep up your strength. Let me at least make you something to eat."

"I'm not hungry," I protested, though my stomach betrayed me with a subtle growl.

A faint smile crossed Silas's face. "The Chairman was very specific about ensuring you maintained proper meals, regardless of circumstances. He wouldn't be pleased to know you're skipping dinner, especially now when you need your strength the most."

Tears welled up in my eyes at the mention of my grandfather's instructions. "How can he be so strict about my safety when he can't even keep himself safe?" My voice broke on the final word, and the tears I'd been fighting finally spilled over.

Silas pulled me closer, one hand cradling the back of my head as I buried my face against his shoulder. "He loves you. Everything he does, every precaution, every rule—it's because you matter more to him than anything else in the world. Including his own safety."

I clutched the fabric of his shirt and allowed myself this moment of vulnerability. Beyond the window, the darkness seemed deeper now.

I couldn't sleep that night. Not even for a minute. Every time I closed my eyes, I'd see Grandfather—hurt, lost, calling for help. And that shadow I saw outside our window kept coming back to me. If it wasn't him, then who was watching us? And why?

I tossed and turned all night. My sheets ended up in a tangled mess around my legs. Moonlight came through the curtains, making weird shadows on the ceiling that seemed to move and change as the hours dragged by. When the sun finally came up, I gave up trying to sleep.

I got out of bed and went through my morning routine. Washing my face, brushing my teeth, and pulling my hair back. I looked awful in the mirror. My skin's pale and there are dark circles under my eyes.

When I walked into the kitchen, Silas was already cooking breakfast. His back was to me as he worked at the stove. This same scene had felt so peaceful yesterday. Now it felt like that moment belonged in another life. It's crazy how fast things can change.

"Morning."

Silas turned around with his spatula. He looked at me, and I saw his eyes pause on the dark circles under mine, but he didn't say anything about how tired I looked.

"I made eggs and toast," he nodded at the table he'd already set up. "And coffee."

It felt weird to be having a normal breakfast when Grandfather was missing. But I sat down anyway. Silas was right about keeping up my strength, even though I wasn't hungry at all.

"Thanks," I mumbled before picking up my fork.

We barely talked while eating. Just the sound of forks on plates and birds chirping outside. Silas finished first and got up to get his stuff. A small bag, his wallet, and keys.

"I should get to the city around noon," he stated while checking his watch. "I'll call you as soon as I know anything."

I pushed my half-eaten breakfast away and stood up. "Am I not really allowed to go with you?" I asked once more. "I could help. I know the people he works with, places he might go."

Silas's face didn't change. Patient but still saying no. "Aurora, we already talked about this. Your grandfather sent you here to keep you safe. Whatever's happening in the city—"

" I know." I sighed. My shoulders dropped with frustration. "But he's my grandfather, Silas. He's all the family I have."

He walked over and took my hands in his. "I know." His voice was gentle but firm. "And I promise, we'll find him. But the best thing you can do right now is to stay safe."

I felt tears coming again but forced them back. I was sick of crying, sick of feeling useless.

"Okay," I finally said, squeezing his hands. "But you'll call me the second you learn anything? Even if it seems small?"

"The very second."

I walked him to the door. His car was waiting in the driveway. The morning was cool, with dew on the grass and some fog over the fields. He put his bag on the passenger seat, then turned to me one last time.

"Lock the doors after I leave. Don't open them for anyone except me." He looked serious now, none of that playfulness from yesterday when he was tickling me in the kitchen. "And keep your phone with you all the time."

I nodded, hugging myself against the morning cold—or maybe against the fear that was trying to take over again.

Silas pulled me into a quick hug. "We'll find him," he whispered into my hair.

Then he got in the car and started the engine. I stood in the doorway watching him drive down the long driveway toward the main road, dust kicking up behind the tires.

I waited until the car was completely out of sight before going back inside. I closed and locked the door like he told me to. The house felt bigger and emptier without Silas here. The quiet was too much.

I leaned against the door and let out a shaky breath. I couldn't shake this helpless feeling in my chest. Here I was, stuck in this farmhouse while Grandfather was missing. He's the only constant in my life since I was a kid, and I couldn't stand the thought of losing him.

He raised me after my parents died. He was both mom and dad to scared seven-year-old me. Even though he could be strict and had high standards, I never doubted he loved me. I knew what he'd say if he were here: that I was letting emotions cloud my judgment, that I should trust Silas.

But Grandfather wasn't here. That was the whole problem.