Solution?

February 7th,

Diary! I never know Uncle Hugo was really rich! I don't know how Ray was able to

access his credit card but I guess it's one of the perks that comes with being super close to your uncle. Surprisingly, when Ray said we should go shopping, I never knew he had the plan of buying a security camera.

"Let's go home guys, we have to set it up quickly." He said as we all raced home. It was almost nightfall because we also ate dinner in a really nice restaurant. It took a while for Tony and Ray to set up the camera in a hidden corner of the living room while Lissa and I helped packed our bags. We didn't take too much clothes; we weren't planning to stay there for too long. Hopefully the coast would get clear soon.

We all rode to the hotel in Tony's car and we booked two rooms for two days. Ray had his laptop with which he connected to the security cam at home. I was exhausted by the time we had all retired for the night. I had just turned off the light when my phone rang. It was a strange number. I hesitated before answering it.Lissa had already slept off.

"H-hello? Who's this?" I asked.

"Sandra?"

"M-mum" my eyes were already watering. I had missed her so much!

"Sandra honey, how are you doing?" She asked. Her voice sounded hollow and it deeply worried me.

"Mum I've missed you so much. Why haven't you come home since? How's Josephine, the baby and auntie and Dad-" I was interrupted by Mum's laugh.

"They're all good honey. I hope your Uncle's been treating you well?" She asked. I honestly didn't know what to say about that.

"Uhm, Mum? Didn't Uncle Hugo tell you?"

"Tell me? What?" She asked. I was contemplating whether to tell her the truth until the next words just flowed out of my mouth, involuntarily.

"He left yesternight and we're all alone now." I said sadly.

"He left?! To where?" Mum asked, alarmed.

"I don't know Mum. He left in a hurry and- a-and we don't feel safe anymore." I said as I heard her sigh heavily on the other end of the phone.

"I'm so sorry honey. I didn't mean to abandon you and your brother in Brookville all alone with an irresponsible Uncle! Don't worry, I'll fix that. You all should just stay together and stay safe, okay? Remember, the Lord is with you. You need not be afraid." She said.

"Mum why can't you just come home? We need you here! We all need you. We don't feel safe, Mum! The kidnappings are increasing everyday and parents are becoming more aware of their children's movement. You've been gone for weeks and a lot has happened..." I said, crying. I was fed up. I was tired and sick of it all. The suspense, danger and battles were overwhelming me.

"Sandra darling, it's okay. You don't have to be so angry. I'm sorry i haven't come home since and i haven't been in contact with you. My phone got misplaced and i was stranded. When i eventually got to your Dad's place, he was terribly sick and i couldn't leave him. Josephine had to go stay with your grandmother because i couldn't take care of her properly-"

"What happened to Dad? Is it that bad?"

"We'll keep praying and hoping for his recovery honey. Don't worry, I'll talk to your Aunt Isabella and see if she can accommodate you all for the time being. Or if she can come over to stay with you guys. Is that okay?" She asked. A little wave of relief washed over me as I responded faintly. Aunt Isabella was a really nice and free person so I hoped she'll be available.

"Cheer up honey. Have you all eaten yet?" She asked.

"Yes we have, thanks Mum. Can I at least speak to Dad?" I asked.

"He's asleep. But when he wakes, I'll make sure to call you. So how are you all prepping for school?" She asked. Yeah school's resuming sooner than soon and I hadn't even made any preparations for it.

"Yeah, it's cool."

"Okay honey. I'll make sure to stay in contact with you everyday okay? Don't you ever feel alone, your ABBA father is always with you." She said.

After a word of prayer, I ended the call and sat on the bed, feeling weak. I didn't know when i started crying but i did cry and i felt better when i finished because i cried to Jesus and I immediately felt his warm embrace and comforting presence around me.