Mike rang the doorbell, but no one answered.
Frustrated, overwhelmed with worry and fury, he banged on the door, loudly, still no response.
At last, Mike used the key he’d gotten from the manager and let himself into the apartment. Silence greeted him, and an eerie stillness cloaked the space.
But then, he saw her.
Standing in the dark on the balcony, her back to him, her figure illuminated faintly by the city lights.
Relief washed over him so violently that it almost brought him to his knees. The past 24 hours had drained him. Every scenario his mind conjured had tormented him— was she safe, was she hurt, was she okay?
And now, she was right there.
Leaning over the railing, headphones on her ears, completely unaware of his presence.
Her wavy hair cascaded down her back, dancing ge
