Search for Noah

Michael sat on his bed, his small hands gripping the blanket as he stared at the wall in shock. Henry's words from the previous night kept replaying in his mind, each time hitting him like a slap to the face.

Noah wasn't really their brother. Their mom had cheated on their dad.

Michael shook his head, trying to push the thoughts away. It can't be true.Henry's just messing with me.He's lying—he has to be. But no matter how much he told himself that, a sinking feeling settled in his stomach.

A soft knock on the door snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Who is it?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"It's me, sweetie. Can I come in?" His mother's gentle voice came from the other side.

Michael hesitated for a moment before answering. "Come in."

Lily stepped inside and sat beside him on the bed, brushing his hair back with a soft smile. "I know you're sad about Noah running off," she said, "but that doesn't mean you should skip breakfast. It's already past ten. Come eat something, and then we'll go look for him, okay?"

Michael's eyes widened with hope. "Really? But... Dad said we're not supposed to."

Lily leaned in and lowered her voice. "Well, Dad's not here right now, is he? It'll be our little secret, okay?" She winked playfully.

Michael smiled, nodding. "Okay."

"Good. But first, you need to eat," Lily said as she stood up. "Who knows where Noah is? He might be far away, and you'll need your energy. And how do we get energy?"

Michael sighed, but a small smile tugged at his lips. "By eating food."

"Exactly! Now, come on. Let's get you some breakfast."

Michael followed her downstairs, and she placed a plate of toast with butter and a glass of milk in front of him. He ate in silence, his mind still preoccupied.

As he chewed, he glanced at his mom. "What if we don't find him?"

Lily's smile didn't waver. "Then we'll go to the police and ask them for help."

Michael swallowed his bite, nodding slowly. He wanted to believe her.

When he finished eating, he got up, ready to leave, but Lily stopped him.

"Actually, I need you to stay home with Henry while I go look for Noah," she said.

Michael's heart sank. "But you said—"

"I said we'll look for him," Lily interrupted, her voice still soft but firm. "I'll go today. We'll go together tomorrow, okay?"

Michael clenched his fists under the table. He could hear it in her voice—she was lying. Just like everything else. She has no intention of looking for Noah.

Lily kissed his forehead and walked out the door, leaving him alone.

Michael sat there, staring at the empty plate in front of him, his thoughts racing. His mom's words felt hollow. Everything felt like a lie.

Just then, the doorbell rang.

Michael snapped out of his thoughts and turned toward the door. Heavy footsteps thudded down the stairs as Henry rushed past him.

Henry swung the door open, revealing a girl standing outside. She had long blonde hair, light makeup, and a confident smile. She looked around Henry's age.

"Welcome, Kate. This is my house," Henry said, stepping aside.

Kate let out a small laugh. "Wow, fancy place."

"Yeah, yeah, come on in. Let's go to my room."

Kate stepped inside, but her eyes landed on Michael. She tilted her head, smiling. "Is that your little brother?"

Henry glanced at Michael like he had forgotten he was there. "Yeah. That's Michael."

"Aww, he's so cute," Kate cooed. "Just like his brother."

Henry smirked. "You flatter me, Kate."

Michael stared at the two, barely holding back a grimace.What is this? Please just kill me.

Kate turned her attention to Michael again. "What's your name, sweetheart?"

"Michael," he mumbled.

"How old are you?" she asked, kneeling slightly to his level. "Oh! Do you like candy? I have some." She reached into her bag and pulled out a few pieces, handing them to him.

Michael took them reluctantly, stuffing them into his pocket without a word. Henry rolled his eyes.

"Alright, let's go," Henry said, leading Kate toward his room.

Michael stood there, watching them disappear upstairs. Then, an idea hit him-This is my chance to look for Noah.

His heart pounded with excitement as he hurried to Henry's room. He pushed the door open without knocking.

Inside, he saw Henry and Kate leaning toward each other on the bed, their faces inches apart.

Michael's nose scrunched in disgust. Please kill me.

Henry jerked back. "What the hell, Michael?!"

Kate gasped. "Henry! Language!"

Henry groaned. "Fine, fine. What do you want?"

Michael folded his arms, acting casual. "It's been bothering you, hasn't it?"

Henry narrowed his eyes. "What has?"

"The fact that Noah's missing," Michael said, watching his brother's reaction carefully.

Kate's smile faltered. "Noah?"

Michael nodded sadly. "Yeah... our brother. He had a fight with Mom yesterday and ran away. He hasn't come back, and Henry and I are really worried."

Henry's jaw clenched. He shot Michael a look that could kill, but he didn't say anything—not in front of Kate.

Kate's eyes widened. "Oh my god, that's awful! Henry, why didn't you tell me?"

Henry let out a forced chuckle. "Ah, it's just... family stuff. Noah does this all the time. He'll be back."

Michael stepped forward. "Henry and I were actually about to go look for him today. But then you came."

Kate's expression turned apologetic. "Oh... I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt."

Henry waved it off quickly. "No, no, it's fine—"

"But maybe I can help!" Kate said suddenly. "I mean, I'd feel awful just sitting here while you guys are out looking for your brother. Can I come?"

Henry's forced smile twitched. Michael could see the panic in his brother's eyes.

"Uh..." Henry glanced at Michael, his gaze practically screaming *you little piece of—*

Michael kept his face innocent.

After a pause, Henry let out a strained laugh. "Yeah... sure. Why not?"

Michael grinned. "Thanks, Kate."

Kate beamed. "Of course!"

Henry clenched his jaw so hard Michael thought his teeth might break.