~Sienna~

A prickle of unease starts at the base of my spine. I wait ten minutes and try again. Still nothing. My heart starts a slow, heavy drumbeat against my ribs. "Maybe she’s just in a checkout line," I whisper, trying to soothe the rising panic.

I return my focus to the babies, clearing off any negativity from my mind.

Suddenly, my phone vibrates in my hand. It’s my mother’s caller ID.

"Mom! Where are you? I was getting worried," I say, the words rushing out.

There’s a beat ...