Emily dug into her bag for her keys and stepped up to the front door. “Mom? Dad?”, she called out as she entered the silent house. No reply. She flicked on lights as she checked each room. Kitchen – empty. Living room – empty. Bedrooms – all empty. Emily’s breath caught in her throat. They were gone.
She pulled out her phone on instinct before remembering it was dead. As she fumbled to find the charger, the emptiness of the house pressed down on her. Just this morning, it had been bustling with life – her dad cooking breakfast, her mom hurrying to get ready for work. Now it was empty, with the people closest to her nowhere to be found.