Just A Random Story

chapter 4

~Kendra's pov~

"Okay, hon, I'll be over by the milk. Come on, kids, let's go get some yogurt!" I said with a bright smile, guiding Elise and Ruby toward the dairy section. We were shopping at the new store that had just opened last week, and the air was filled with the clean, crisp scent of fresh produce. The bright fluorescent lights bounced off the shiny new floors, illuminating perfectly organized aisles. It felt like a small adventure, a little family outing, where every moment was a chance to savor.

As I reached the milk, a familiar voice cut through the low hum of chatter and the soft whir of overhead fans. "Kendra! Hey!" Lilly's voice rang out, her usual energy radiating like sunlight. She practically bounced on her feet, as if she'd consumed one too many espressos.

"Lilly! Oh my god, it's been way too long! How are you?" I asked, genuinely happy to see her, my heart warming at the sight of her infectious enthusiasm.

We fell into an easy conversation, swapping stories about our kids and husbands, laughter spilling between us like a gentle tide. It was one of those comforting chats, reminiscent of simpler days filled with coffee dates and long conversations that stretched into the afternoon.

"Well, it was so good to see you! I've got to run; the kids are waiting for me at home. But let's catch up soon, okay? Bye, Kendra!" Lilly waved as she hurried off, her energy trailing behind her like a comet. I smiled after her, feeling a little warmth from the interaction linger.

"Mommy! I want a popsicle!" Elise's voice broke through my thoughts, her bright eyes shining with determination.

"You always want a popsicle, hon," I laughed, tousling her hair, the familiar gesture grounding me in this moment of normalcy. "Okay, okay, we'll wait for Daddy to come back, then we can grab one."

I glanced toward the aisle where the granola bars were, but my heart sank a little when I didn't see him. "That's strange," I mumbled under my breath. Maybe he was just grabbing cereal too?

"Come on, kids, let's go check on Daddy."

I pushed the cart toward the granola bar aisle, my earlier cheer evaporating like mist. But when we got there, it was empty—no sign of him. A tiny seed of unease took root in my chest. I scanned the nearby aisles—cereal, canned goods, snacks—nothing.

"Where did he go?" I whispered to myself, the weight of a strange hollowness starting to spread through my stomach like a dark shadow.

Pushing the cart a little faster now, I navigated through the store, searching each aisle—up one, down the next. The brightly lit shelves began to blur as I frantically scanned for any sign of him. Five minutes passed. Then ten. My heart raced, the unease morphing into a solid knot of anxiety.

I spotted a store employee, forcing a calm smile that felt brittle on my lips. "Excuse me, could you page my husband? He's in the store somewhere, but I can't seem to find him."

The woman nodded, grabbing the store phone. "Will [blank] please come to the front counter? Your wife, Kendra, is looking for you."

I waited, the announcement echoing overhead like a distant thunderclap. Elise and Ruby began to squirm, their restlessness growing palpable, as if they sensed the tension in the air.

Seconds ticked by, stretching into eternity. I tapped my foot, feeling a knot tighten in my chest. A minute passed. Then two. He didn't come.

An uneasy chill slithered down my spine.

"Mommy, where's Daddy?" Ruby asked, her small voice full of confusion and concern. I swallowed hard, trying to push away the rising dread.

"I'm sure he's just busy, sweetie. He'll be here soon," I said, my voice wavering slightly, but I forced a smile that felt like a mask.

I pulled my phone from my purse and dialed his number, holding my breath, my heart pounding in my ears. It rang once—and then abruptly cut off.

I stared at the screen, blinking in disbelief. Did he... did he just hang up on me?

My hands began to tremble slightly as I redialed. This time, it went straight to voicemail.

A cold wave of panic washed over me, a frigid tide that gripped my chest. Where is he?

I glanced around the store, the once-familiar aisles now feeling strangely foreign, almost suffocating. I couldn't shake the sense that something was horribly wrong. Had he gone home without telling me? No, that didn't make sense. He wouldn't leave me here, not like this.

Would he?

I tried calling again. Nothing.

My thoughts spiraled, each absurd possibility flashing through my mind like a bad movie reel, but the more they lingered, the more real they felt. What if something had happened to him? What if...?

My breath hitched as I looked at the girls, their innocent faces oblivious to my growing panic. I have to stay calm. For them.

But deep down, a sinking feeling began to take root, a dark whisper that something was off. Something was very, very wrong.