A SWEET DAY

Breaking News: Missing Children Found Safe, Detective Adrian Key to Their Rescue

Lockhaven, 29th November – In a heartwarming turn of events, the three missing children, who had disappeared under mysterious circumstances, have been found safe and sound thanks to the relentless efforts of Detective Adrian, a local investigator known for his unconventional methods and unwavering determination.

The disappearance of the eight children, all females, aged around 11, had left the community in a state of shock and fear.

The police had been working tirelessly to locate them, but with no leads to follow, the case had grown increasingly dire.

Detective Adrian, a figure shrouded in intrigue and known for his unconventional approach to solving cases, took an interest in the matter. His initial involvement brought both curiosity and skepticism among the local law enforcement.

However, his unique perspective and unyielding commitment to the case ultimately proved instrumental in the successful rescue of the missing children.

Working tirelessly to piece together the scattered clues and unusual circumstances surrounding the disappearance, Detective Adrian's investigation led him to a location on the outskirts of the city, where he made contact with the children.

The children, who were reportedly frightened but unharmed, were found under Adrian's vigilant watch, patiently waiting for the authorities to arrive and bring them safely home.

Local law enforcement is commending Detective Adrian for his extraordinary efforts and his unwavering commitment to ensuring the safe return of the missing children.

His unorthodox methods have once again proven effective, bringing a glimmer of hope and relief to a community that had been plagued by fear and uncertainty.

The details surrounding the disappearance and the exact circumstances of their rescue remain under investigation, but for now, the focus is on reuniting the children with their families and expressing gratitude for the dedication of Detective Adrian, who proved once again that sometimes the most unconventional approaches yield the most extraordinary results.

.....

"That went off without a hitch, just as I planned. I hope it stays this way. I get to be the hero, and they get to be safe. It's a charmed life, indeed. I think I'll treat myself to a hearty breakfast on this joyous occasion."

Adrian was in a good mood after reading today's news blog. It was a must for him to stay updated with the news, as any chance could lead to less boredom for him.

Just as Adrian got up from his sunset trading Calvin 41" wide reclining chair, an easy-to-clean gray upholstery accent armchair for the living room lounge chaise, and went towards his bedroom to get changed, a sudden, unmistakable sound interrupted his walk—the subtle clinking of dishes in the kitchen.

Adrian furrowed his brow, momentarily torn between the peaceful morning and the enigma unfolding in his own home

'Don't tell me Henry's back for revenge. I may despise boredom, but please, let me enjoy my free time, man.'

With cautious curiosity, he crept towards the kitchen, where the sounds were growing more distinct. As he reached the doorway, he expected to find Henry, or perhaps a mysterious officer, looking to find some dirt on him.

But what he discovered was far more comical.

There, with no expression on her face, was Emilie, the dream diver. She was rummaging through the pantry, her stomach growling like a ferocious beast that had been unleashed.

Adrian couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. "Emilie, what are you doing? Raiding the kitchen first thing in the morning? And is that my shirt you are wearing?"

13-year-old Emilie, her petite form swallowed by the oversized t-shirt she had hijacked from Adrian's wardrobe the night before. She wore the shirt like a dress, its hem brushing the floor.

Her face, perpetually expressionless, seemed unchanged by the passage of time; she resembled a whimsical little dwarf who had stumbled into the modern world, unflinchingly making chips her breakfast of choice.

Emilie was caught red-handed with a bag of chips in one hand and a chocolate bar in the other, still with the same expressionless face.

"I couldn't resist, Adrian. My stomach declared war, and I had to answer the call of duty."

Adrian raised an eyebrow, amused by her dramatic response, which looked even more hilarious with her expressionless face.

"You know, there's this thing called 'breakfast.' It usually happens before the morning snack raid."

Emilie shrugged, offering him some chips. "Well, sometimes life throws a plot twist, and you just have to improvise."

Adrian couldn't help but laugh out loud, drowning out the grumbling protests in Emilie's stomach.

As Adrian joined her in the impromptu morning feast, he couldn't help but appreciate the unexpected and humorous moments that life had to offer, even within the familiar confines of his own home.

"Are you up for heading out to grab a proper breakfast, or are you going to be spending your day snacking on these?" Adrian inquired, his hand nearly emptying the entire bag of chips himself.

Emilie was seething with anger, but her perpetually impassive expression didn't aid her cause.

"You've got some nerve asking me that question, especially after you devoured all the chips I painstakingly scavenged in this 'den of nothing," she retorted.

"Woah there, you're the one who tagged along in the first place. Nobody twisted your arm to visit my humble abode, and it's definitely not a 'den of nothing.' I've been living here quite comfortably for a while now,"

Adrian retorted, though he couldn't help but acknowledge that the events of the previous night had been undeniably exhilarating for him.

"Anyway, go freshen up. We're heading out for breakfast because I'm feeling quite cheerful today," Adrian said before leaving Emilie alone in the kitchen with an empty bag of chips. He headed to his bedroom to get ready for their outing.

As Adrian's departing figure receded from view, Emilie couldn't help but reflect on the events of the previous night. Try as she might to bury those memories, they were etched into her mind.

In her thoughts, the ordeal of being trapped in Henry's container suddenly seemed like a courtesy compared to the fate that had befallen Henry himself. Despite possessing three cores within his soul, he had been rendered powerless in the face of an unassuming and seemingly ordinary individual.

She continued to mull over her decision to come here, wondering if it had been a wise one. Only time will reveal the answer.

Using Adrian's commandeered shirt to clean her hands, Emilie suddenly had an epiphany: She was now left without any clothing of her own to wear.

"Adrian, where are the clothes you promised me?"

A pout would have been expected here from a normal 13-year-old, but Emilie, being Emilie, expressionless ever, tiptoed to his bedroom door and vocalized her frustration, her lament echoing through the hallway, only to be met with the silent void of his response.

...…..

"Why is everyone staring at us? I don't like it," Emilie grumbled, clearly not enjoying the morning that was intended to be fun, according to Adrian's plans.

Meanwhile, Adrian reveled in all the attention he was receiving. "All that performance was absolutely worth it. You see, Emilie, this is what you call a fulfilling life."

Emilie couldn't resist rolling her eyes at Adrian. "I didn't misjudge you at all. You truly are a jerk and a menace to society."

Adrian's smile broadened at her comments. "Quite the fancy words from you. Are you sure you've got their meanings down pat?"

"Adrian?" Just as they were engaged in their playful dispute, Adrian heard his name being called. He turned around, and there he saw Selena, clad in casual yet cozy winter attire.

Her choice of clothing blended comfort with style effortlessly, a testament to her knack for fashion. Her chunky sweater and well-fitted jeans were adorned with a playful winter pattern, and she wore a pair of stylish boots that completed her ensemble.

Despite the informality of her morning outfit, Selena exuded an air of confidence and charm, proving that even on a chilly winter day, she could effortlessly radiate both warmth and style.

Adrian paused in his tracks and exchanged a nod with Selena as a friendly greeting.

She approached him, her gaze instinctively drawn to Emilie, who seemed to possess an otherworldly beauty despite her young age. It was a trait unique to her kind—an edge that set them apart from everyone else.

"Well, I fancy meeting you out, especially in the morning," Selena quipped with a slight, friendly stoop, her smile radiant as she looked at Emilie. "And who might this little queen be? A relative of yours, perhaps?"

Adrian glanced at Emilie, a bemused expression on his face that silently questioned, 'In what universe does she resemble a queen?'

Yet he refrained from voicing this sentiment aloud. "She's my younger sister, here for an extended visit," he explained. "And as for you, isn't it a bit unusual to see you on a regular weekday?"

Selena found herself utterly dumbfounded as she observed Adrian and Emilie standing side by side.

Adrian, with his eyes as deep as an abyss and hair as dark as the raven's wing, stood in stark contrast to Emilie, whose eyes sparkled like crystal-clear gemstones, her silver hair reminiscent of moonlight. The one thing the pair shared was their enigmatic, expressionless countenances.

"If you'd rather not answer, Adrian, that's perfectly fine," Selena replied, understanding and nonjudgmental.

Emilie opted for silence, a choice that seemed to cast Adrian under the bus.

Adrian cleared his throat, attempting to break the awkward silence. "So, Selena, what's new with you?"

Selena went on to describe her recent workload, explaining how she had been burning the midnight oil for several days due to the case. She shared that, thanks to the successful resolution, the officers had finally been granted a well-deserved day off.

"The children were severely traumatized," she continued. "Although they can't recall many details, which isn't unusual, it's likely that they were drugged to keep them unconscious."

Selena scrutinized Adrian's expression, searching for any hint or recognition in his face. But, true to form, his visage remained as stoic and inscrutable as ever.

She couldn't help but let out a sigh of frustration. Her curiosity had driven her to consult with Sergeant Alan about the case's details, a baffling situation given that their entire department had struggled to find a single lead, and then Adrian, a private detective, had seemingly cracked the case effortlessly.

Alan's stance on the matter was clear and succinct: "You don't need to know."

"Anyway, it seems like you two are enjoying your morning, so I'll leave you to it," Selena said as she prepared to depart. But just as she was about to leave, Adrian spoke up. "Hey, Selena, are you free today?"

Selena paused and studied Adrian, wondering if he was trying to flirt with her. "Um, yes, I am sort of free today," she replied cautiously. "Is there something on your mind?"

Adrian gestured towards Emilie and suggested, "She didn't bring many clothes with her, so I was wondering if you could join us for some shopping. You don't expect me to excel at everything, do you?" He delivered the line with a touch of humor in his voice, which was rare.

'This explains why she's wearing his jacket. Poor thing,'

Selena thought to herself, understanding Emilie's situation a little better. "Absolutely," Emilie responded eagerly. "So what's the plan, you two? I can't resist a shopping trip!"

...

"I'm never going out again. I had no idea humans could be this terrifying. This girl named Selena is even scarier than Henry,"

Emilie declared upon returning home, utterly drained. She collapsed into Adrian's favorite chair, the most luxurious and comfortable seat in existence, as per Adrian.

Adrian couldn't stifle a chuckle at Emilie's comments, finding her reactions amusing. For him, it had been a good day after a long while. "Now that we've taken care of your clothes and the essential groceries," he began. "Let's hear what you have in mind."

Emilie responded with a matter-of-fact statement: "I'm staying here."

"..."