As Emily paced anxiously around the empty house, a memory suddenly surfaced. Her sister! Earlier today, her sister Sophia had left for a sleepover at her friend’s house just a few blocks away. In the chaos of everything, Emily had totally forgotten. She let out a cry of relief. If anyone could help her make sense of this nightmare, it was her little sister. Sophia was the rational one, the problem-solver of the family.
Emily grabbed her phone and keys and rushed out the door, not even bothering to lock up. She hurried down the street towards Sophia’s friend’s house, nearly sprinting in her desperation. Would she finally get some answers? As the house came into view, Emily felt the first glimmer of hope she’d had all day. The warm glow of lights shone from inside. People had to be home.