Unspoken Desires

55. Worried

It has been a month and yet Martha hasn't reached out yet.

The atmosphere is tense, and worry is etched on their faces. The clock on the wall ticks loudly, emphasizing the passing time.

Cherylene gasps, "Everyone, it's been a month. I'm really starting to worry about Martha. She never goes this long without reaching out to us."

Mia sighs, "I know, Cherylene. I've been calling and texting her non-stop, but there's been no response. It's not like her to just vanish like this."

Bernardo spoke, "I even went by her place, but there was no answer. Her car is still parked outside, and the lights are off. I'm really starting to panic."

Carlos paces back and forth, her hands fidgeting.

"What if something terrible happened to her? We need to do something. We can't just sit here and wait."

Alfredo spoke, "You're right, Cherylene. We need to take action. Let's call the police and file a missing person report. They might be able to help us find her."

Cherylene's husband spoke, "Agreed. We can't waste any more time. Every minute counts. I'll make the call right away."

Bernardo rushes to grab his phone, his fingers trembling. He dials the emergency number, his voice shaky as he explains the situation to the operator.

"It's going to be okay, Cherylene. We'll find her. Martha is strong, and we won't rest until we know she's safe."

Cherylene clings tightly to Mia, finding solace in her words. They share a moment of silent support and hope, their hearts heavy with worry for their missing friend.

On the other hand, Gertrude sits on a worn-out armchair in her living room. She clutches her phone tightly in her hands, tears streaming down her face.

"Oh, Martha... Where are you? Why haven't you called? It's been a whole month, and I'm so worried about you."

Gertrude's hands tremble as she dials Martha's number once again.

She waits with bated breath, hope mingled with fear, but the call goes straight to voicemail.

The sound of Martha's voice from the recording only deepens Gertrude's anguish.

Chloe and Ava were already crying.

"Please, Martha, just call me back. Let me know you're safe. I can't bear not knowing where you are or what's happened to you."

Gertrude clutches a photograph of Martha tightly, her knuckles turning white. Her eyes scan the room, filled with memories of her daughter's laughter, her warmth, and her presence. The emptiness weighs heavily on Gertrude's heart.

"I've called her friends, her workplace, but no one has seen or heard from her. I don't know what to do anymore. This silence is unbearable."

Gertrude collapses onto the armchair, her tears flowing freely.

She feels a profound sense of helplessness, her mind plagued by worst-case scenarios.

She reaches out to a nearby picture frame, caressing Martha's smiling face.

"Grandma, where's mom?" Chloe tearfully asked.

"I don't know, sweetheart."

Meanwhile, even Cheska, who's in New York, knew about it.

Cheska's phone is pressed tightly against her ear as she dials one number after another, her voice trembling with panic.

"Hello! Please, I need your help. I'm trying to find my mother, Martha. She hasn't called me in a month, and I'm really worried. Have you seen or heard anything about her?"

Cheska listens intently to the voice on the other end, her eyes filled with anticipation. But the response provides no answers, fueling her anxiety even more.

"I understand. Thank you for checking. Please, if you hear anything, let me know. It's urgent."

She hangs up and immediately dials the next number, her fingers shaking uncontrollably. The cycle repeats, each call leaving her more desperate than the last.

"I need to speak to someone who can help me find my mother. She's been missing for a month, and I don't know what to do anymore. Please, can anyone provide any information?"

Cheska's voice cracks with emotion as she tries to maintain her composure. Each operator she speaks to expresses sympathy but offers no leads, leaving Cheska feeling defeated.

"No, please don't apologize. I just... I don't know where else to turn. My mother means everything to me, and I can't bear not knowing where she is or if she's okay."

As Cheska hangs up yet another call, she takes a deep breath, trying to gather her thoughts. She glances at a picture of her and her mother, a bittersweet reminder of happier times.

Cheska continues dialing, her fingers moving witch desperation. She refuses to let despair consume her, holding onto the hope that one call will bring her the answers she so desperately seeks.