Ray scanned the room for what felt like the hundredth time, his patience thinning. The party was in full swing around him—guests mingling, laughter echoing, glasses clinking—but his focus was fixed on the entrance. Esme had been gone for nearly half an hour, and his growing concern was tinged with frustration.
Ray's frustration mounted as he repeatedly dialed Esme's number, each attempt met with the same disheartening message: "The person you are trying to reach is out of network coverage area." His brows furrowed in concern. Esme had always been reliable with her phone; it didn't make sense for her to be unreachable.
After the third unsuccessful call, Ray's worry gave way to irritation. He excused himself from the party, the lively chatter and clinking glasses now a dull backdrop to his anxiety. He made his way toward the bathroom, each step measured and slow, his patience wearing thin.
