FELIX

As the reality of the situation sank in, fear took over. I frantically called Benita's phone, but it went straight to voicemail. I texted her multiple times, begging her to call me back or to at least come home safe. But there was only silence.

I had a feeling she was in serious trouble, but I was trying to cling to hope, that tiny hope that she was just somewhere and would come home soon.

The waiting was agonising. I paced back and forth, my mind racing with the worst-case scenario, ...