Inside the suitcase, Fannie began to stir, causing Selma to doubt the suitcaseâs durability. âHelp!â
From within the suitcase, Fannieâs desperate calls echoed, causing Selma to fear for her safety, questioning the suitcaseâs air supply and the risk of suffocation.
Left with no alternative, Selma made her way home.
A year ago, she had invested in a villa, complete with an underground garage, financed by a loan.
Once parked, she heaved the suitcase from the car, noting Fannieâs unsettling silence.
Selma hesitantly unzipped the suitcase, revealing Fannie curled up inside, her eyes shut tight and her face pale and gray. Was she dead?
Shaking, Selma extended a hand to check for breathing. At that moment, Fannieâs eyes snapped open, and she seized Selmaâs wrist.
Selma pulled her hand back in shock.
Normally, she wouldnât be able to overpower Fannie, but Fannie was weak from lack of oxygen, barely conscious.
Selma waited until Fannie ceased her movements before she dared to relax.
Two hours later, Bobby approached the building where Fannie was employed.
It stood silent and dark against the night sky, showing no trace of the dayâs earlier events.
Bobby attempted to call Fannie, only to find her phone disconnected.
He then visited her home, which appeared equally empty.
Bobby used to see relationships as complicated and messy. He avoided romantic relationships, opting for simple physical connections instead.
Now, as Fannieâs boyfriend, he was amused by the simplicity of their relationship.
His inability to contact her threw him into a state of alarm. It seemed as if the darkness from the building had seeped into his world.
In a state of frenzy, Bobby raced from Fannieâs house, continuously trying to reach her.
Driving recklessly, he navigated the roads at double the usual speed, steering with just one hand.
Katherine refrained from scolding him, instead urging him to find a safe place to stop. âDo you actually know where she is right now? Perhaps sheâs out with work friends and her phone battery has died. Try not to worry so much; make sure youâre safe first.â
Bobby clenched his teeth in frustration. âYouâd be just as concerned if it were your family missing. I couldnât live with myself if something happened to Fannie!â
Katherine quickly sought to reassure him. âI get it! Iâll have Shawn search for her, and Iâll get Adrian on it as well, alright?â
As he approached a green traffic light that was about to turn red, Bobby was tempted to speed through. However, spotting an elderly woman and a young girl crossing the road, he abruptly hit the brakes, jerking forward in his seat.
Gradually, Bobby regained his composure, tightly holding the steering wheel as he considered Fannieâs possible whereabouts. Katherineâs voice broke through again from the phone. âSlow down and think. Did Fannie mention anything to you before she went missing?â
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