Chapter 52: Max’s Point of View
The ring of my phone shattered the quiet in my office. I rubbed my eyes, trying to focus on the endless paperwork in front of me. It was late, and all I wanted was to clear my mind, but as soon as I saw the caller ID, I knew that wouldn’t happen. Emily. Sara’s mother. I almost didn’t pick up, but something told me I should.
“Max?” Emily’s voice came through, soft but tense. “Sara… She’s locked herself in her room. She hasn’t eaten or come out all day. She’s... she’s devastated. I thought you should know.”
A surge of guilt twisted in my chest. Despite everything, I hadn’t expected Sara to react like this. The thought of her sitting alone, hurting, left me uneasy. I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose.
“Is she… Is she alright?” I asked, voice strained.
