Chapter 95  Hearing those words, I felt a bit relieved. Even though my body hadn’t been found, saving someone was still a win in my book.  Ann was whisked away, still in a fog. She’d been through the wringer, so she pushed people away, refused food and water, and her mental state was in tatters, making any conversation impossible.  Chase wasn’t thrilled with how things turned out. Pointing at Ann, he snapped, “We’re still in the dark about Amanda. What’s the point of taking her back?”  Dad looked worn out, having been awake for nearly a full day and night. Rubbing his temples, he said, “Trenton’s got connections. Maybe he can dig up some leads. We have to spend the cash anyway, and since we know this young lady, we’ll be doing a good deed for Amanda.”  “After all that, we’re still empty–handed. Where could Amanda possibly be?” Chase was getting more irritable, his face clouding over with the thought of what he’d uncovered earlier.  she wasn’t taken, could it be she’s already…” He couldn’t say the word “dead,” and his face grew even darker. “Dad, should we go to the police?”  “No! Absolutely not.” Dad shot down the idea immediately. “Remember, Amanda vanished. If this goes public, it’ll spell trouble for both the Reyes and Kennedy families. Even Nicole would be dragged into court, and the fallout would be massive.”  “But we still don’t know where Amanda is, and I’m terrified she might already be…”  Chase was restless. He’d thought the worst was me being harmed, but now it seemed I wasn’t even in the park.  It was like the last ounce of strength had been sapped from him. All he wanted now was to find me, no matter the cost.  “No!” Dad declared firmly. “I refuse to believe my daughter is so fragile that she’d end her life over a broken engagement or was killed without reason. She’s always been kind. She wouldn’t have enemies. We must’ve missed something. Let’s go back and search properly. We can’t involve the police.”  “Alright then.” Chase, easily swayed, was convinced by Dad’s words.  Both were exhausted from the day’s events and fell into a deep sleep on the plane.  As they got off the plane, under the swirling snow, I spotted Ann’s parents.  They were a down–to–earth couple; her mom worked as a nanny, and her dad sold burgers outside an elementary school.  Despite their modest means, they raised a remarkable daughter.  Her mom was so efficient and trusted by her employers, that they showed up too when they heard the news.  I watched as the couple hugged Ann tightly. The employer’s son watched her intently, about to rush over several times but holding back.  affection. In his young eyes, I saw pure  How wonderful.  At that moment, I envied Ann. She had loving parents, a boyfriend, and maybe, after overcoming her struggles, a bright future ahead.  But I had nothing.  The Hammonds knelt before Dad, repeatedly expressing their gratitude. Even the employers exchanged pleasantries with Chase, thanking him for the help.  Then, the young man approached Ann. He looked lost and dazed, holding back the urge to embrace her. His eyes, free of any judgment, were filled with warmth. His voice trembled as tears welled up. “You’re back.”  Ann’s eyes widened, her blank expression finally showing signs of life. She suddenly rushed towards the young man, tears streaming down her face.  I reached out, trying to catch a snowflake drifting down from the sky.  On such a dreary day, my presence felt even more ethereal. Maybe soon, I’d vanish like these snowflakes, silently, without anyone realizing.