Chapter 11...

"Hey, mom, where's Malik?" Michael asked, looking around the living room as if his brother might suddenly appear.

His mom's expression turned serious, and she put down her pizza slice. "Actually, sweetie, Malik is... uh... staying with a friend for a while."

Michael's eyes narrowed. "What friend?"

His mom hesitated, and Michael could tell she was choosing her words carefully. "Just a friend from school, sweetie.

Don't worry about it."

Michael's instincts told him something was off. "Mom, what's going on? Where's Malik really?"

His mom sighed, her expression softening. "Michael, I'll tell you later, okay? Just trust me for now."

Michael's mind raced with possibilities. Where was Malik? And why was his mom being so secretive?

Suddenly, he heard a strange noise coming from outside.

It sounded like footsteps, but they were light and cautious, as if someone was trying not to be seen.

Michael pulled out his phone and dialed Malik's number, but it rang once and then went to voicemail.

He tried again, but the same thing happened and again but the results where the same.

"Mom, I'm getting worried," Michael said, his concern growing. "Malik's not answering his phone."

His mom's expression remained calm, but Michael could see a hint of worry in her eyes. "I'm sure he's fine, sweetie. He's probably just busy with his friend."

Michael wasn't convinced. He picked up his phone from the table and he tried calling Malik again, but it went straight to voicemail.

"Dam it " said Michael in frustration,Mom I want to know what's going on," Michael said, his voice firm but respectful. "Where is Malik? Why can't I reach him?" Did something happen?

."Mom what if something happened to him and we don't know.?

His mom sighed and put down her pizza slice. "Michael, I told you, he's staying with a friend. That's all I can say for now."

Michael's frustration grew. "That's not enough, mom.please just tell me where is Malik and I won't even go looking for him.

I need to know what's going on. Is Malik in trouble?"

His mom's expression softened, but she remained tight-lipped. "Michael, trust me, please. I'll tell you more when I can."

Michael's heart raced as he approached the window.

The figure was still trying to open it, seemingly unaware of Michael's presence. As Michael got closer, the figure suddenly stopped and looked up.

Michael's eyes widened in shock as he saw the figure's face. It was...

"Who are you?" Michael demanded, trying to keep his voice steady.

The figure hesitated, then stepped back into the shadows. "I... I need to talk to you," the figure said, their voice low and mysterious.

Michael's mind raced with questions. What was going on? Why was this person trying to sneak into his house?

"Who are you?" Michael repeated, his hand on the window lock. Ready to confront the figure at the window.

The figure took a deep breath, then stepped forward into the light. Michael's eyes widened in shock as he saw...

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