The tension in the air was almost palpable as Hunter, Caleb, and I walked toward Caleb, who was waiting for us in the hotel lobby. His eyes were filled with anticipation, eager for news about our children, but the expression on my face betrayed the weight of failure.

Upon arrival, Caleb stared at us and shot the question echoing in his mind, “How did it go? Where are the kids?”

Hunter, with a serious expression, released a heavy sigh before responding, “The kids are not ...