Chapter 52 - THE SEARCH
The search expanded quickly.
Police were notified.
Hospitals were contacted.
Shelters received Ethan's photograph.
The foundation's network spread the information across Chicago.
Ava barely slept.
Every unfamiliar car made her stand up.
Every phone ringing made her heart race.
On the third night, Emma sat beside her.
“You should rest.”
“I can't.”
“You're exhausted.”
“He's eight.”
Emma understood.
Years ago, she had known what it felt like to have someone you loved become your entire world.
“You're not alone,” she said.
Ava looked at her.
“Why do you keep saying that?”
“Because it's true.”
At midnight, a call finally came.
A social worker had found a boy matching Ethan's description.
Ava froze.
“Is it him?”
Emma squeezed her hand.
“Let's find out.”
They arrived at the shelter twenty-five minutes later.
A small boy sat in the corner holding a stuffed rabbit.
Ava ran toward him.
“Ethan!”
He looked up.
Then he jumped into her arms.
Emma watched them cling to each other.
Lorenzo stood beside her.
“Another life changed.”
Emma smiled.
May you like
“That's becoming a habit.”
---
