Chapter 41 - The Bond.

Where is she? Paul shouted, his voice echoing against the cold, unyielding walls of the wallhouse. The morning sun streamed through the cracks, illuminating the empty spaces where Mia had once stood. Panic clawed at his insides as he searched every corner, every crevice, but the truth was undeniable: Mia was already gone.

Why did she leave? Why didn't she give us a chance to explain? The questions swirled in his mind like a storm, each one more painful than the last. Ahhhhh, Mia! he cried, his voice a mixture of desperation and heartbreak. The rooftop, usually a sanctuary with its breathtaking view of the sunrise, now felt like a prison. The vibrant colors of dawn, usually a source of inspiration, were tainted by worry and despair.

Kneeling on the cold, hard ground, Paul screamed Mia's name as if hoping that somehow, his voice could bridge the chasm between them. I'm sorry! We are sorry! Ahh, come back! Each word felt like a dagger, piercing through the silence that surrounded him. He felt so small, so powerless. He knew Mia's stubbornness all too well; once she made up her mind, there was no turning back. Even on the precipice of danger, she would refuse to ask for help.

Rising from the ground, Paul's heart hardened with resolve. He vowed to find her mother before Mia could. Maybe, just maybe, he could help her understand. The weight of responsibility pressed down on him and his brother as he descended the stairs, each step heavy with the knowledge that he was losing his child, he wasn't a person who showed his weak side but today he was so scared. Brother John he called she is not here what will we do he cried and this made John to tear up regreting all the harsh words he throwed to his little brother.

Hey Paul put yourself together we will find them both you know she is strong, don't cry like a baby but strong man up. John's words seemed mockinghimself too because he was more a cry baby than his brother!!!!

Am also crying hahahahaha John said and this made Paul laugh so hard that they both sat on the ground and Peter who was seeing their childish side laugh and joined them too.

Meanwhile, on the busy street below, Mia walked, her heart racing as she followed an old lady who moved at a pace far slower than her own. The woman's frail figure seemed to struggle against the bustling world around them, and Mia felt an inexplicable pull towards her. As their eyes met, a smile blossomed on Mia's face—an innocent gesture that struck a chord deep within the old woman. Tears welled in her eyes, memories flooding back of a time long forgotten, a time when love was still tangible with her and his son but now what she only sees is a greed person who only focus on money women and hurting people.

Mia, I'm so sorry, the old lady whispered, her voice trembling with regret.

Mia, momentarily startled, turned back, her heart swelling with empathy. She ran back to the woman and enveloped her in a warm embrace. It's okay, she whispered, tapping the lady's back gently. It's not your fault. I will find her. Don't cry.

Even as she spoke those words, Mia's own eyes glistened with tears, a reflection of the fear and uncertainty that gnawed at her. But she masked her worry with a smile, hoping to reassure the old lady. Yet, the woman saw through her mask, recognizing the worry beneath Mia's brave exterior.

Okay, dear, the old lady replied, her voice steadier now, let's go before it's too late. She adjusted her long black dress, pulling herself together, determined to be a source of strength for the young girl.

The street was alive with people, the morning sun casting a golden hue over everything, yet no one seemed to notice the beauty around them. Cars whizzed by, and the cacophony of city life drowned out the serenity of the dawn. As Mia approached the road, she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder.

It's okay, my child, the old lady said softly. We will find her. Don't stress too much, alright?

Those words were like a balm to Mia's frayed nerves, reviving her lost spirit. For a fleeting moment, she was transported back to her childhood, chasing the light of the rising sun, her mother's laughter ringing in her ears. It was just a flashback, but it brought a smile to her face, a reminder that hope still existed, even in the darkest of times.

As they continued down the street, Mia's heart felt a little lighter. The old lady walked beside her, a steady presence in the chaos of the world. Together, they navigated the bustling streets, two souls intertwined by fate, both searching for something they had lost.

Mia realized that she wasn't alone. Though the path ahead was uncertain, she had someone to share the burden with. And as the sun rose higher in the sky, casting away the shadows of the night, a flicker of hope ignited within her. She would find her mother, and perhaps, in the process, she would also find herself.

In the dim light of a late evening, Alex sat in his room he spent the whole night and day doing nothing, the weight of the world pressing down on his weary shoulders. He was lost in thought, his mind a turbulent sea of memories and regrets centered around Mia, a name that echoed in his heart like a haunting melody. Nawe, his younger sister, could hardly bear the sight of her big brother in such a lifeless state. To her, he resembled a ghost, a man walking through life without truly living.

Peeking through the window, Nawe tiptoed into the room, her heart racing with the hope of breaking through the fog that enveloped Alex. But as fate would have it, she bumped into him, her small frame colliding with his chest. The impact was both literal and metaphorical; she felt the heaviness of his sorrow as she looked up into his tired, red-rimmed eyes.

Nawe, he said, his voice a mixture of fatigue and frustration, when will you listen? I told you to give me space. The words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken emotions. Before he could finish, Nick, his friend, intervened, brushing Alex's hand away from Nawe's ear.

What do you think you're doing? Nick's voice was sharp, cutting through the tension like a knife.

Nawe seized the opportunity to escape, sprinting towards the door. She could hear Alex's voice trailing behind her, but the thrill of freedom was the only music she could hear. If he dares to pull my ear again, it won't still be on my body! she muttered under her breath, a playful smirk creeping onto her face.

As she exited, she collided with James, an old friend and a familiar face from her childhood. He blinked at her in confusion, setting his cup down on the table. Nawe, why are you calling me a fool? he shouted, a mix of amusement and disbelief in his tone.

Caught off guard, Nawe pointed at herself, her confusion evident. Are you talking to me, James?

James erupted into laughter, his voice echoing through the room. After calling me a fool, you're acting innocent? I thought we were friends! After six long years, and this is how you greet me?

Nawe's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. James, it's not what you think! I wasn't calling you a fool!

Don't explain. I'm going to see your brother! he declared, feigning indignation as he turned to leave. His childish antics made Nawe roll her eyes, but she couldn't help but smile.

Ha! His behavior is so immature, she thought, but before she could voice her thoughts, James doubled back, placing his hands on her shoulders. Look at your face! You're really scared!

Nawe couldn't help but laugh, her earlier frustration dissipating. You're ridiculous! she exclaimed, half-heartedly swatting at him.

James dodged her playful slap, retreating to Jake, his friend, who was watching the scene unfold with a bemused expression. Jake! She wants to hurt my handsome face! How will the directors give me a job with wounds? he cried dramatically, clutching his heart as if he were a wounded hero.

You son of a bitch! You made me worry!Nawe shot back, her laughter mingling with mock annoyance. You have to face the punishment!

With that, Nawe chased after James, their laughter filling the air like music. I missed you, but I still have to smack your head! she teased, her voice light with affection.

Ahh! My head! James screamed Jake help me please, running towards the kitchen in a mock panic. There, he grabbed a piece of chocolate and offered it to Nawe, bending down to her level. Are we okay, little sister?

She smiled, accepting the sweet treat, and they embraced, the warmth of their bond washing over them like a comforting wave.

Meanwhile, Jake watched the silly friends antics from a distance, knowing that soon enough, they would all be okay. With a sense of resolve, he turned and made his way to Alex's room, hoping to reach out to his troubled friend.

As he approached, he couldn't help but reflect on the beauty and complexity of silly relationships. They were often filled with misunderstandings, playful banter, and moments of tension, but at their core, they were anchored by love and shared experiences.

In that moment, he understood that just as Nawe and James had found joy and true happiness in their playful exchanges, he too hoped to bridge the gap that had formed between him and Alex. Friends may bicker and tease, but they also support one another in times of need, reminding each other that life, despite its trials, is best navigated together.

And so, as Nawe and James continued their playful chase, Jake knocked softly on Alex's door, ready to offer the comfort of friendly love that he hoped would bring Alex back from the brink of his unshared troubles.

I said I hate her don't mention her name infront of me Alex screamed causing the whole house go silent. Jake's paused and listened to Alex's fury on a lady not knowing that she was the same lady he also had feelings on.

Feeling bad and attempting to enter James was side him pulling him by the hand and drag him out of their. To the garden knowing it wasn't the right time for Jake to findout that Alex's sleepless nights are all caused by Mia. The fresh air in the garden made Jake to relax and they both waited.

Nawe's attention was on James who wasn't a serious person but he was filled with worry and scared as he stared at Jake with his hands in his pocket he knew their was more to this but what???!