“Aunty! Aunty!! Aunty!!!” Mary cried out in panic as she pounded on Marie’s bedroom door with all her strength.
Startled, Marie rushed to unlock the door. The moment she pulled it open, Mary, already in tears, collapsed into her arms, sobbing uncontrollably.
Alarmed, Marie held her tightly and asked through a trembling voice, “Mary, what’s wrong? What happened? Please, talk to me…”
Through heavy sobs, Mary cried, “Mom… Mom left me… She left me, Aunty, she’s gone… She’s gone and she left me behind…” Her legs gave way as she sank to the floor, weeping bitterly.
Marie’s heart raced. She darted through the house, flinging open doors and searching every corner, calling Isla’s name. But Isla was nowhere to be found. No trace.
Rushing back, she lifted Mary from the ground, hugging her tightl
