The village was small, with few outsiders passing through. How could a child simply vanish? Unless… he had been taken.

Felicia quickly sought Charles for information. Despite his age, years of hard work had kept him strong and composed, but now, anxiety etched his features. At Felicia's approach, he revealed all he knew.

"Lucas disappeared this afternoon. The children he was playing with saw Shawn nearby and ran off. Afterward, they continued playing and didn't think to look for Lucas. When I learned of it, I had everyone search, but we've found no trace! I'm beside myself, Felicia. Lucas is gone, and that no-good Shawn is missing too. What if… what if…" he trailed off, his voice trembling.

Charles didn't finish, but Felicia understood his fear: that Shawn had taken Lucas. A five-year-old in Shawn's hands… anything could happen.

Felicia hadn't anticipated this. If Shawn had kidnapped Lucas, he would likely reappear, using the child to threaten her. She reassured Charles, "Don't worry. We have enough people here. With my classmates, we'll have even more. We'll search every corner of this mountain if we have to. We'll find Lucas!"

"Okay…" Charles mumbled, nodding tearfully. Felicia briefed the vice principal, who immediately agreed to assist.

They paired the recently returned students for the search. Every able-bodied villager, young and old, joined the effort.

As darkness fell, every household produced flashlights and phone lights. Though they had spent the afternoon carrying supplies, everyone returned to the search without pausing for a meal. Just then, Shawn staggered into the village.

The moment Charles saw him, he lunged forward, grabbing Shawn by the collar. "You scoundrel! Where is my grandson? What did you do to him? He's just a little boy! If you have a grudge, take it out on me!"

Shawn wobbled, then belched loudly. The reek of alcohol clung to his breath. Grinning, he slurred, "What are you talking about, Charles? I don't know where your grandson is. Don't accuse me without reason!"

Charles remained suspicious. "Don't lie! The children saw you take him! Where is he? Give him back to me!"

"Stop talking nonsense!" Shawn retorted, unfazed. "I saw Lucas playing marbles earlier, but then I left. If your grandson's missing, what does that have to do with me?"

"If it's not you, then who else?" Charles, desperate and furious, was ready to strangle him.

Shawn was the most obvious suspect, yet he denied everything. Without evidence, and with night falling, their options were limited. Finding Lucas was paramount. Charles' frustration mounted, tears welling in his eyes.

Felicia cut through the tension. "If you didn't take Lucas, where were you all afternoon?"

Shawn's eyes flickered, but he quickly recovered his composure. "I had a few drinks and fell asleep in the west fields. I just woke up to the commotion. When I heard Lucas was missing, I came to help."