” She replied, “Found it at the bus station; some teenage girl left it behind. ” Inside the backpack, Derek found a folded piece of paper with an address labeled “Hostess Family.
” He drove to the address immediately. Upon arrival, a woman at the door confirmed Amber had never arrived.
Feeling lost, Derek decided to return home.
As he drove, he saw his ex-wife, Miranda, in a café.
Suspecting Amber might have come to see her, Derek approached Miranda. Initially, she denied knowing anything, but when Derek found Amber’s inhaler in her bag, she confessed.
Amber overheard their conversation, ran out, and Derek chased after her. He found her crying on a bench, and they reconciled.
“I’m so sorry, Dad.
I didn’t mean to worry you,” Amber said.
Derek hugged her tightly and replied, “It’s okay. You just wanted to meet your mom.
But you’re grounded for two weeks,” he added, trying to lighten the mood. Amber smiled, feeling safe and loved again.
