Beneath the Surface

chapter 46 : Lucas missing

Sarah's Backyard – Late Afternoon

Sarah and Stan are finishing up their day at the ranch, enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings. The calm atmosphere is abruptly shattered when Sarah receives a phone call. Her face pales as she listens to the news, her hands trembling.

Sarah: (holding the phone, her voice shaking) "What do you mean Lucas is missing?"

Caller: (from Lucas's family) "Sarah, I'm so sorry to have to tell you this. Lucas was involved in an avalanche while ice climbing. We haven't been able to locate him. Rescue teams are still searching, but..."

Sarah: (her voice barely a whisper) "No... No, this can't be happening. Lucas was just here with us, having such a good time. How could this happen?"

Caller: "I understand this is difficult. We're doing everything we can to find him. Please keep us in your thoughts. We'll update you as soon as we know more."

Sarah: (trying to steady her breath) "Yes, of course. Thank you for letting me know."

She hangs up, staring at the phone as if it holds the answers. Stan, noticing his mother's distress, looks up with concern.

Stan: (innocently) "Mommy, why are you sad?"

Sarah: (kneeling down to Stan's level, trying to keep her composure) "Sweetheart, something happened to your Dada. He's lost right now, but people are looking for him."

Stan: (eyes wide and worried) "Is he coming back?"

Sarah: (tears welling up) "I don't know yet, Stan. We just have to hope and pray that they find him soon."

Stan: (reaching out to hug Sarah) "Mommy, I want Lucas to come back. He was so nice to us."

Sarah: (hugging Stan tightly) "I know, honey. Me too. We'll stay strong and wait for good news."

Sarah's thoughts: (Her mind races with worry and fear. Lucas had become such an important part of their lives, and the idea of losing him is unbearable. She knows she has to be strong for Stan, but inside, she feels devastated and helpless. As she looks out over the peaceful lake, the irony of the tranquil setting against the turmoil in her heart feels crushing.)

She stands up, taking a deep breath to calm herself. She knows she needs to find a way to stay hopeful and keep Stan comforted while waiting for any updates about Lucas.

Sarah's Home – Living Room – Late Evening

The living room is dimly lit, with only the soft glow of a lamp illuminating the space. Sarah sits on the sofa, clutching a photo of Lucas and Stan from their recent outing. The weight of the days filled with uncertainty and grief hangs heavily in the room. The mood is somber, and the silence is occasionally broken by the sound of Stan's soft, worried questions about Lucas.

Stan: (walking over to Sarah, holding a toy) "Mommy, why isn't Dada here yet? When is he coming back?"

Sarah: (forcing a smile, her eyes red from crying) "Lucas... Lucas is still missing, sweetheart. The people who were looking for him haven't found him yet."

Stan: (sitting beside her, eyes welling up) "I miss him. He was always so nice to me."

Sarah: (tears slipping down her cheeks) "I miss him too, Stan. He was very special to us. We have to remember the good times we had with him."