Chapter 12 Fractured Communications

• The cold night air seemed to amplify Natalie’s sense of isolation as she walked away from McCloud Mansion. Her mind was a whirlwind of despair and confusion. With nowhere else to turn, she reached for her phone, hoping to contact Daniel. She dialed his number, her fingers trembling slightly. The phone rang once, twice, and then went to voicemail. “Hi, it’s Natalie. Please, call me back. I need to talk to you. It’s urgent.”
• She hung up and tried calling again, but the result was the same—Daniel’s phone was out of reach. Frustration and anxiety churned within her. She had no way of knowing where he was or if he was safe.
• After several failed attempts, Natalie felt a sense of helplessness settling in. She put her phone away and continued walking, the chill of the night seeping into her bones. The world seemed to close in around her, and she felt utterly alone.