Intertwined Souls

Chapter 13 (part 2)

Back at the Aegon Mansion, Ann was pacing back and forth in the living room, her worry growing with each passing minute. Richard and Beth should have been home by now, but there was no sign of them. She tried calling the local authorities, but they hadn't received any reports of accidents or stranded travelers.

James and Martha, were sitting in the living room, their faces etched with worry. Ann could see the concern in their eyes, and she knew they were thinking the same thing she was—something was wrong.

"Dad, Mom, I think I should go to the Munroe Mansion and see if they've heard from them," Ann said, her voice firm but worried.

"Yes, Ann, that's a good idea," James said finally. "Maybe Frank and Elenor have heard something."

She nodded. "I'll be back soon," her voice reassuring.

Ann drove up to the Munroe Mansion. She burst through the front door, looking for Frank and Elenor. "Have you heard anything from Richard and Beth?" she asked, her voice trembling.

"No, dear, we haven't heard a thing," Elenor replied, her voice laced with concern.

Ann's face fell. She had been hoping against hope that they had received some news, some sign that Richard and Beth were safe. But now, her worst fears seemed to be confirmed.

"I have to go look for them," Ann said, her determination evident in her voice.

Frank and Elenor tried to stop her. "Ann, dear, it's not safe out there. The storm is getting worse by the minute," Frank said, his voice firm but worried.

But Ann was resolute. She couldn't just sit around and wait, not when her brother and the love of her life were, God knows where. She knew the place where they were camping, and she was going to check on them, no matter what.

"I have to go," Ann repeated. "I'll be careful, I promise."

Frank and Elenor exchanged a glance, then nodded reluctantly. "Be careful, Ann. We'll be waiting here, praying for your safe return," Elenor said, her voice laced with worry.

With a quick nod, Ann turned and dashed back to her car. She started the engine and began the treacherous drive to the campsite, her heart heavy with worry and fear.

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Ann drove through the stormy night, her eyes fixed on the road ahead. She knew the way to the campsite, and she was determined to find them. The wind howled and the rain pounded against her car, but she pressed on. The storm raged on, making every mile a battle. Her car skidded on the flooded roads, and she fought to keep it straight.

She thought about Beth, alone and scared. She thought about how she should have been there with her, and how she couldn't bear the thought of anything happening to her.

As she rounded a bend, her heart leaped—there was Noah's RV, parked on the side of the road, looking battered by the storm.

She couldn't help but mutter to herself through gritted teeth, "Why did Noah have to bring this rickety piece of junk? It's like he built it himself; it always breaks down at the worst possible times!" Her voice echoed in the empty car, mixing with the sound of the relentless storm outside.

She quickly parked her car behind the RV and dashed through the pouring rain, her heart pounding with anticipation and fear. She pulled open the door of the RV and was hit by the sight of all her friends looking cold, wet, and scared.

For a moment, her eyes searched the dimly lit space, and then she saw Beth, her face pale and frightened. Everything else faded into the background. Ann rushed to her, calling out her name with a mix of relief and worry.