Episode 14: "Ama’s Worst Fear"

The officer stroked his chin, deep in thought.

"For now, you all are free to go," he finally said, his voice firm. "But since you're under suspicion, none of you are allowed to leave the city. You must be available whenever needed."

The group exchanged glances before silently exiting the police station.

Nick turned to the officer. "Sir, do you think any of them could be the killer?"

The officer exhaled. "I don't know about the killer, but three of them are definitely hiding something. Assign people to keep an eye on the principal, Ama, and Mark. Report any suspicious activity."

Nick nodded. "Okay, sir. What about Atlas?"

"For now, just do a background check on him. I want every piece of information available."

As soon as Ama stepped out of the police station, her hands trembled as she dialed an unknown number. Atlas, standing beside her, looked equally hesitant. Mark observed them silently.

After five rings, someone finally picked up.

A woman's voice came through the receiver. "Hello, is this Ama Watson?"

Ama's breath hitched. She turned to Atlas before answering, "Yes, this is Ama Watson."

"Ma'am, I'm calling from Adams Hospital. We tried reaching you two hours ago. Your mother gave us this number to inform you—your parents have been admitted. Please visit the hospital as soon as possible."

Ama's entire world tilted. It felt like the ground beneath her was slipping away. Her knees buckled, but before she could collapse, Atlas caught her.

"Who was that?" he asked urgently. "Ama, what happened? Are your parents okay?"

Ama swallowed hard. "I... I don't know. It was the hospital. I have to go now."

"Okay, let's go," Atlas said without hesitation.

Just as they turned, Mark stepped forward. "What happened, Ama? You look pale. Are you okay? Where are you both going?"

Ama shot him a cold glare, but before she could answer, Atlas spoke. "You'll find out soon enough—once you're inside that cell."

Mark acted as if he hadn't heard him and instead looked at Ama, waiting for her response. But she ignored him and stepped into the car.

The moment Atlas started driving, Ama curled her hands into fists, pressing them against her lap. Her breathing was uneven, her mind spinning with worst-case scenarios.

What if something really bad happened? What if—no. No, she couldn't let her thoughts go there.

She gritted her teeth, trying to focus. But then she remembered the last time she had seen her parents—her father's playful smirk, her mother's teasing voice. The warmth of their presence.

And now, a hospital call?

Atlas glanced at her, sensing her distress. "Ama, we'll be there soon. Just breathe, okay?"

But she couldn't. The anxiety was suffocating.

"Atlas..." she whispered, her voice almost breaking. "What if—what if I lose them?"

Atlas's grip on the steering wheel tightened. "You won't." His voice was firm, steady. "We'll get there. And whatever happens, you won't be alone."

Ama swallowed hard and nodded, even though the fear in her heart refused to settle.

As soon as they reached, Ama rushed inside, her pulse hammering. The receptionist quickly directed her to the room. Each step she took felt heavier, as if the hallway was stretching endlessly.

Atlas walked beside her, his presence grounding but silent.

She hesitated at the door. Her hands shook. Her chest tightened. What if...

Atlas gently placed his hand on hers, a silent reassurance.

Taking a deep breath, she pushed the door open.

Laughter.

Ama's breath caught in her throat.

Her parents—laughing. Alive. Okay.

Tears welled in her eyes, spilling over before she could stop them. Her parents looked up, surprised.

"Ama!" Her mother's voice carried its usual playful scold. "Why are you so late? You're always so careless. What if one day we actually have an emergency and you're just sleeping, you sleeping ass!"

A choked sob escaped Ama's throat as she ran to hug her mother.

Her mother wrapped her in a tight embrace. "Oh, baby, what happened?"

Her father's voice was laced with worry. "Ama, sweetheart, we're fine. Your mom was just joking." He shot his wife a half-hearted glare.

Ama sniffled, holding on tightly. In the past few days, she had forgotten what real comfort felt like—this warmth, this safety.

She finally pulled away. "What happened to you guys? Why didn't you tell me you were coming today? Why were your phones off? I tried calling!" The questions tumbled out in rapid-fire.

Her parents chuckled at her childish panic.

Her father spoke first. "Ama, we wanted to surprise you. And, well, our cab had a minor accident. In the chaos, I lost my phone, and your mother's phone died because the battery ran out."

Ama exhaled sharply, relief washing over her like a tidal wave.

They were okay.

Only then did she notice Atlas, standing quietly near the door.

Her mother smiled at him. "Oh, Atlas, you're here too! Sorry, we didn't see you."

Her father gave him a warm nod. "Hey there, son."

"Hello, Uncle, Aunty. It's okay, no need to apologize." Atlas smiled.

Ama turned to him, her voice softer now. "Come, sit here."

Her parents exchanged a knowing look, their smiles widening.

Ama's mother smirked. "Atlas, has this sleeping koala troubled you too much?"

Ama's eyes widened in horror. "Mom!"

Atlas chuckled, thoroughly amused. He turned to Ama with a teasing glint in his eye. "Actually, Aunty, she wasn't that much trouble."

Ama was about to protest when her mother continued, "Oh, I told him to take care of you before we left."

Ama blinked, processing the words.

She turned to Atlas, who only gave her a warm, unreadable look.

Her father cleared his throat, amused. "So… are you two in a relationship?"