Adele felt overwhelmed with worry and guilt about Daniel and the situation her choices had created. Yet, her mind raced with thoughts of how to hide from the federal agents.
'I can only use cash...'
'I need to rely on public transportation...'
'Should I get rid of my phone?'
The realization that meeting or contacting Daniel could put them both in danger finally caused the tears she had been holding back to spill over.
'I have to endure until the baby is born!'
Struggling to regain her composure, Adele boarded the Silver Line bus from Logan International Airport, trying to suppress the rising anxiety in her chest as she contemplated where to hide.
In that moment, memories of her high school days flooded back. She vividly remembered her close friend Betty, who had fallen in love with a missionary and moved far away to Colorado Springs. Betty had always been a warm source of comfort for Adele.
***
'After school, the two would share their secrets in the neighborhood park. Sitting on the green grass, Betty excitedly recounted her day.'
"Adele, I had my first date with the missionary today! It was such an amazing time!"
Betty's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Really? What was it like? Where did you go?"
Adele asked, her curiosity piqued.
"He took me to a nearby café, and we had ice cream together. His laughter is so charming!"
Betty said, blushing.
"Wow, that sounds wonderful! I love seeing you so happy," Adele replied. "You really like him."
"Yeah, I'm not sure. But my heart races when I'm with him!"
Betty placed her hands on her chest as she spoke.
"Then let's go out together next time! I'm really curious to see what your boyfriend looks like."
Adele suggested with a smile.
"Sounds good! Let's go out next week. I'll ask him to bring his friend along." Betty joked, "What if we both fall in love?"
During that time, they always supported each other and shared laughter, even in tough moments. Their friendship was a powerful bond that kept them together.
After graduating high school, they hadn't seen each other, only keeping in touch by phone. Adele thought even the FBI wouldn't know Betty's whereabouts, so she decided to visit her.
***
Meanwhile, Daniel, who had been dragged into the FBI for questioning without understanding why, returned home feeling a profound sense of loss.
In the dark room, worry for Adele consumed him. 'Did Adele really commit treason...? That can't be true,' the doubt weighed heavily on his heart.
'Do they expect me to believe that...? How ridiculous...'
Daniel knew she would never make such a choice. The questions and pressure from the FBI had planted deep seeds of distrust in his mind.
He couldn't understand why her phone was still off.
'Adele, where are you? Is something wrong?' The worry for her safety tightened in his chest. He recalled their last conversation, and the sound of her laughter and her warm gaze only deepened his pain.
As the night wore on, his eyes refused to close. 'What if something happens?' The uncertainty of the future and Adele's whereabouts tormented him.
Daniel wanted to protect her, but in that moment, he felt more powerless than ever. 'I wish this was all just a dream...!'
'Adele, please be safe...!'