As Annie headed to lunch, she noticed a large crowd of students lined up, their faces painted with panic, sadness, and anger. Spotting Bri among them, Annie weaved through the crowd and tapped her shoulder.

Annie: "What's happening?"Annie asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and concern.

Bri: "You haven't heard? Almost all the food stands are gone, even the buffets...except for one food stand. That's why we're lined up like this."Bri replied, frustration and impatience evident in her tone as she stood, shifting her weight from one foot to the other.

Annie: "How could this happen?"Annie's voice was laced with bewilderment.

Bri: "There's a troublemaker putting poison in the food at the buffet and in most of the food stalls' ingredients..."Bri explained, her voice tinged with irritation and disbelief at the situation.

Annie: "Can't we just go out to get food?"Annie asked, her tone hopeful yet naive.

Bri turned to Annie, giving her a look that bordered on exasperation.

Bri: "Our school is literally built in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of the sea! I don't think we can just order takeout from McDonald's or Jollibee. Besides, there are guards everywhere. We can't go out even if we wanted to."Bri's voice was sharp, a mix of irritation and resignation.

Realizing the hopelessness of the situation, Annie stopped asking questions and sat aside. She remembered there was a lounge and a zen garden on the fourth floor, known as the "Tambay Area." Finding it empty, she was relieved to have packed a lunchbox from home.

image [https://img.wattpad.com/f3ce20390d1aa7673ba53e0397e8e531c0db9223/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f7a3762532d38416d4563695776513d3d2d313436343039383837322e3137653464373035396163376538386434353332323236333736342e706e67]

Annie's thoughts: Where is my mom...

(Flashback)

Annie: "I was just, umm...playing hide and seek..."Annie said nervously, not wanting to tell her mom about Bell. Besides, she didn't think her mom would believe her. Hina looked slightly annoyed, her face showing a mix of worry and frustration. It wasn't funny, and she didn't want to argue with her daughter.

Hina: "I made some steak. I need to go to work, alright? The keys are on the table, and I trust you to use my debit card, but don't get too excited—there's only about five thousand in there. Your school bus will arrive around eight, okay?"Hina's voice was tired, used to the long nights and the heavy responsibilities. As she was getting ready, Annie heard a mysterious voice.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

Bell: "Yo."

(End of flashback)

Annie: "She can't just leave me like that..."

Bell: "Maybe on a business trip?"Bell suggested, his tone attempting to be comforting but coming off as indifferent.

Annie: "Not possible... She would have informed me if she was. She can't just abandon me like that, right?"Annie's voice cracked, on the verge of tears, fearing the worst for her mother.

A familiar voice interrupted her thoughts. It was Ms. Mell, holding a letter and her own lunchbox, which looked quite delicious.

image [https://img.wattpad.com/acf19e9e67cea22941c67f55004fea068e5955ab/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f486f66486443705639416f4770413d3d2d313436343039383837322e313765346437306466663937303364343535313132343831303536382e706e67]

Ms. Mell: "Wondering about your mom?"Ms. Mell asked as she sat down beside Annie, her voice gentle and understanding.

Bell: "Damn, she can read us like a book..."Bell muttered, sounding slightly impressed.

Ms. Mell: "Don't worry, Annie. Your mom will be gone for the first quarter..."Ms. Mell said, her voice warm and reassuring as she hugged Annie and handed over the letter. A tear dropped onto the letter as Annie started to open and read it.

Letter:

Annie,

There's no point in pretending. You must be wondering where I am, and the truth is... I can't be with you right now. There are things I need to take care of, more than I can explain. Believe me, this isn't what I want. My heart aches at the thought of leaving you. But please, Annie, promise me you won't try to find me. It's for the best. All I can ask is that you wait for me. Wait until after the first quarter, and I promise I'll be back.

This goodbye hurts more than anything. But know this, my love for you is real. Every week, you'll get a care package from Ms. Mell, a little something to remind you I'm thinking of you. Letters will follow, filled with every word my heart wants to say. There will be gifts too, Annie, a way to show you I'm not just gone. Though miles may separate us, my love will find its way back to Mehville, back to you.

You are strong, Annie. Stronger than you know. I believe you can face anything, even this. But please, hold onto hope, hold onto the promise of my return. This goodbye tears me apart, but it's a goodbye filled with love. Until we meet again, my dearest Annie.

Annie sniffled as she wiped her tears. After a few moments, she managed to smile.

Annie: "I wish you the best, mother..."Annie said, her sorrow subsiding, her voice steady and resolved.

Ms. Mell: "Here's your allowance... 5k."Ms. Mell handed Annie an envelope of cash, which Annie put in her bag.

Ms. Mell: "I'll go now, Annie! See you soon!"Ms. Mell said, her tone cheerful and encouraging as she talked to someone on the phone while leaving.

Bell: "I hope she really is safe..."Bell said skeptically, his voice low and doubtful.

Annie's thoughts: I just hope she is safe... She wants me to be positive... So I'll be positive...Annie resolved, stuffing the letter into her backpack.