Finally, Jake stepped forward.
“Sir, it is also my fault. Please don't just blame Emily.
Daniel turned to him.
Take her and go.
Twenty minutes later, Emily came down with a small backpack.
I hugged her by the door.
“Call me,” I whispered. No matter what, call me.
She nodded in tears.
Daniel was a few feet away, without saying a word.
Emily looked at him one last time.
I could see he was expecting him to stop her.
But he didn't.
He left with Jake.
The door closed.
And something inside me broke.
For the next hour, Daniel barely spoke.
I couldn't sit still.
“We have to find her.
She will come back.
He is fourteen years old!
He has to understand that acts have consequences.
I stared at it.
What if something happens to you tonight?
For the first time, Daniel did not answer.
Meanwhile, Emily and Jake were walking to Jake's house.