Astonished, Carissa nodded and left, feeling the watchful eyes of her colleagues as she walked out. Outside, she tried calling David again, hoping he would answer, but he didn't.
She left a voicemail, her voice tinged with worry. "David, please call me back. I'm really worried about you."
The weekend came, and Carissa felt devastated by David's lack of response. She sulked in her room until Angelina walked in.
"Mommy, aren't we going to see my Daddy again? It's the weekend, you know," Angelina asked, her voice filled with innocent hope.
Carissa nodded, a pained smile on her face. "I'm sorry, sweetheart. I wanted to take you to your father, but it can't work out this weekend."
Angelina sighed, her small shoulders slumping. "Why? What's going on?"
Carissa struggled for words before forcing a smile. "Daddy is very busy with work, honey. But we'll see him soon, I promise."
