

Absconded
The chill of an early winter grips the city, mirroring the growing unease in Michelle’s heart. Her husband, James, is changing, secretive, and his late-night 'meetings' fuel a gnawing suspicion. But when a sudden, desperate plea from James shatters their domestic peace, Michelle is plunged into a nightmare far darker than she could ever imagine. A mother’s intuition clashes with a web of hidden truths, leading her down a perilous path where every revelation exposes a deeper betrayal. What secrets has James been keeping, and what devastating price will their family pay for his desperate choices? Unravel the chilling mystery before it consumes everything.The air was already sharp with the promise of winter, an unusual chill that hinted at a brutal season ahead. Snowy owls had arrived far too early, their silent flights a stark contrast to the familiar chatter of woodpeckers who now, strangely, shared the same trees. The monarch butterflies, usually a vibrant splash of color this time of year, had long since vanished, leaving behind an unsettling quiet. Even the fogs, thick and numerous in August, had seemed to whisper warnings of a harsh, unforgiving cold to come.
Michelle stepped into her apartment, the familiar warmth a welcome embrace after a long day. Her husband, James, and their two children, Rose and Smith, greeted her with the usual affectionate chaos.
"You're home rather too early today, hun, are you okay?" James asked, his surprise evident.
"I'm fine, James. I thought I told you our organization is hosting a dinner party tonight. Don't tell me you've forgotten so easily," Michelle replied, dropping her bag onto the couch near the hallway.
"Oh... don't mind my ignorance, it skipped my mind," James mumbled, though a faint flicker of something unreadable crossed his face. Michelle noticed it, as she had noticed other subtle changes in him lately, a growing distance she couldn't quite name. She chose to say nothing, a familiar quiet suspicion beginning to coil in her stomach. As she walked away, a silent murmur escaped her lips: "He's changing rapidly."
