Unexpected Event

When Fred opened his eyes in the morning, the first thing he did was check his phone. Sheila still hadn't replied to his message. This started to worry him. Normally, Sheila wouldn't do something like this. She would always reply to messages, even if late. Fred sat on the edge of his bed and thought for a moment. Then, unable to resist, he sent Richard a message:

"Any news from Sheila?"

A few minutes later, Richard replied:

"No, I've been messaging her since yesterday, no response."

Fred's worry grew a little more. If Sheila wasn't responding on purpose, then either something had happened to her, or she was trying to distance herself from her friends. Both possibilities were bad. Fred decided that he would find out everything today. He ran his hand through his hair, tired, and got out of bed.

After getting ready, he left the house and went straight to Sheila's house. Richard and Ethan joined him. A few minutes later, they were at Sheila's door. Fred knocked. A while passed, but there was no answer.

"Do you think she's not home?" Ethan whispered.

Just as Fred was about to knock again, the door slowly opened. Sheila's mother stood in the doorway, with a strange expression on her face—both surprised and worried.

"Hello, aunt. Is Sheila home?" Fred asked directly.

The woman hesitated before replying:

"Sheila… left the house yesterday. She said she wanted to get some fresh air, but she still hasn't returned."

Fred's heart started to race. The other friends exchanged looks. This was no longer a joke. Sheila was missing.

"Have you called the police?" Richard asked.

Sheila's mother shook her head.

"I thought maybe she was with one of you. But now… I'm very worried."

Fred stepped back and locked eyes with Richard. They both had the same thought: Why had Sheila disappeared? What had happened to her?

"We will find her," Fred said confidently. "We know where she could have gone."

Then, with his friends, he set off toward the forest. This was no ordinary walk. Things were serious now. Sheila could be in danger...