Elena's Point Of View
It felt like an eternity since I'd called out for Justin to come inside. As I busied myself, wiping my hands with a towel, a sense of unease crept over me. "Justin, Justin!" I called out again, hoping for a response.
But there was nothing. Concern nibbled at the edges of my thoughts, urging me to check on him. Hastily abandoning my chores, I rushed out, my heart pounding with worry. "Justin, this isn't funny anymore. If it's a game, it's over," I implored, scanning the vicinity for any sign of my son.
The silence was deafening. My eyes caught sight of his abandoned ball, lying idly on the ground. With every step toward it, my anxiety heightened. "Justin, you're never this careless. What's your ball doing out here? And where on earth are you?" I muttered, my voice edged with mounting concern.