Chapter 42

Back in the village, worry had gripped Jack's mother, Emily, and Jack . Their worry increased at the each stroke of the clock. Samantha's unplanned stay at her aunt's place had left them anxious, especially because they had no way of knowing that she had made such a decision. The anxiety was etched on their faces, and every time the phone rang without being answered, their hearts sank a little deeper.

"But are you sure you asked her if she will be returning today or not?" Jack's mother for the tenth time.

"Mum?" Jack called. "How many times do we have to tell you that we asked her. She mentioned that she won't even spend much time there."

"Then why is she not here yet?" She asked out of frustration.

Emily only sat as she watched mother and son engage in repeated series of questions and answers. She understood that Samantha had gone to visit her family, but the prolonged absence was taking a toll on her. The anxiety in the house was on everyone, and it was hard for her to escape the t