Ryan's POV
Clarabelle's eyes darted between our parents, her face pale.
"What are you doing?" Dad's voice was low and controlled.
My mind racing, I searched for words, any words, to defuse the tension. But my vocal cords seemed paralyzed.
I glanced at Clarabelle, her face mirroring mine – pale, frightened, and guilty.
Our parents' unexpected return sent my mind reeling. They weren't supposed to be back yet; something must have gone wrong. The fact that they didn't let us know only added to the suspicion.
My thoughts drifted back to Clarabelle's words: "My mom sent me a weird text." I couldn't shake off the feeling that it was connected.
Pieces of the puzzle swirled in my head, but I couldn't quite fit them together.
"Ryan!" Dad's firm voice snapped me back to reality.
Clarabell's
