Chapter 38 The Long Wait

• TRICIA
• The blackout turned the living room to a scary place as darkness covered everywhere. “Avala, just say a word and I'll be by your side.” I called out, stepping forward carefully with my hands outstretched, brushing against the balloons we’d tied up for Donald’s birthday.
• My eyes strained to find her small shape. Then, the lights came back on, I blinked my eyes before exhaling in relief. The balloons bobbed, the glittery banner gleamed above the doorway, but Avala wasn’t there. I moved toward the couch panicking, my hands also began to tremble. “Ava, baby, please,” I called out, terrified, especially when I remembered the note I found on the car earlier.