Chapter 26: Forgiving Ourselves and One Another

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December 5, 1997

The three men start their search for Kenya as they go to different parts of the Twin Cities. They were looking in spots where they think she would be, parks, public libraries and concert halls. No sign of Kenya in any those places, but they don't give up hope and keep looking. As time passes, the winds picks up again with colder air this time. It wasn't long before a snowflake falls from the sky and lands on Andre's nose. "Uh-oh. I was afraid of this, it's starting to snow". "Oh no!" Denzel groans. "Today won't be too bad, it's just a few flurries passing through, but I hear it may get heavy over the weekend and possibly into Monday" Andre states. Rob starts to panic, but remembers what Dr. Harper has told him about staying strong for Kenya's sake. They continue to search through St. Paul for the rest of the afternoon. 

Later, Denzel calls to check in with his family and tells them they still haven't found Kenya. He leaves out Andre helping him and Rob to avoid taking the focus from finding Kenya. Denzel tells them they hope to find her before this weekend, since they are calling for a lot of snow. His parents and sister give him and Rob their wishes for good luck and hopes they find Kenya before hanging up. Kendra sits quietly before asking "Mom and Dad, when did we last go to Kenya's place for the holidays?". Neither her parents can remember, which tells her they probably have yet to do so. "Mom? Dad? If they find Kenya and she's OK, can we go to her place for Christmas this year?".  "I think now would be the time to start. We haven't been as fair or considerate to Kenya as we should. I just hope we are not too late" her father says.

December 6, 1997

The next morning Rob and Denzel wake up to start the search again when the phone rings. Rob answers and it's the police officer working on their case, they want him to come to the station. When Rob asks what was needed, they tell him they'll explain when he arrives in person. 

After checking in, Rob, Denzel and Andre are taken to another room at the police station. "What was it you wanted us to know here and not over the phone?" Andre asks. The officer tells them last night they found a body near St. Paul and they need someone to identify it. The three men are in complete silence. "I'll go" Rob volunteers. Both Denzel and Andre are in shock as they watch Rob go to the body. 

"He's taken this more strongly than I thought" Denzel says. "I think we should go with him. If the body they found is Kenya's, he'll get hysterical and possibly harm himself or someone else" Andre tells him. "Good idea". They both follow Rob and the officer stands across from them. Rob, realizing what is about to happen, starts to get into panic mode, almost hyperventilating. "Sir, I haven't lifted the sheet, yet" she tells him. He calms back down after a moment before signaling the officer to pull back the sheet. Denzel and Andre stand on each side, holding Rob's arms to prevent any sudden reactions. The body is exposed to them under the fluorescent lights.

"It's not her" Rob says. All three men sigh in relief, then realize it's only short-lived, as Kenya is still missing. The officer returns to tell them that someone in the same area was the one who told them about the body and thought it was Kenya, but mentioned they saw another woman with a book and a certain flower had fallen out of it.

"I recognize this flower. Come on. I think I know where she's gone" Rob says, running out the station. Denzel and Andre follow him to where the flowers are seen.

 Denzel and Andre follow him to where the flowers are seen

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