Rita's Unseen Destiny.

Chapter 36: A Desperate Search.



 Meanwhile, Samuel reaches the parking and fails to see Rita. He tries to call her number, but her number is not reachable. Samuel pulled out of the driveway, wondering why Rita's phone was not reachable. He shrugged it off, thinking maybe she had gotten a ride with someone else or had gotten into their arrangement.

 Carlson, unaware of the danger his loved one was in, was going about his evening, perhaps working late and meeting his friend Raymond to discuss it. Raymond and Carlson dove into a discussion about the coding issues plaguing Carlson's app. "I think the problem lies in the JavaScript framework," Raymond said, sipping his coffee. "Have you tried refactoring the code to improve performance?" 

 " Carlson nodded thoughtfully," I have tried a few things, but nothing seems to work, I am starting to think it's a design issue rather than a coding problem." 

 Raymond's eyes lit up. " Ah I see what you mean! Sometimes a fresh design perspective can make all the difference. Let me take a look at your wire frames and see if I can suggest some improvements."

 As they poured over Carlson's designs, Raymond pointed out a few areas where the user experience could be improved. "What if we simplified the navigation and used a more intuitive layout? " He suggested. "

 Carlson's eyes widened as he saw potential in Raymond's ideas. "That could work! And what about the backend? Can we optimize the database queries to reduce load times?"

 Raymond nodded enthusiastically. " Absolutely! I can help you write some more efficient SQL queries and optimize the server configuration."

Together, the two friends brainstormed and problem solved, their discussion flowing easily from code to design and back again. As the coffee shop started to close, they reluctantly packed up their laptops and said goodbyes, already looking forward to their next collaboration.

 As Carlson stepped into the familiar comfort of his home, a sense of unease settled in the pit of his stomach. Something felt off, like a faint whisper in his ear that he couldn't quite decipher. He tried to shake off the feeling, attributing it to a long day at work or mere paranoia. But as he made his way through the empty rooms, the silence seemed to grow thicker, like a heavy fog that clung to his skin.

 He approached the bedroom, his heart beating with a growing sense of trepidation. Was his mind playing tricks on him? Was Rita simply out running errands or taking a walk? But as he pushed open the bedroom door, his worst fears were confirmed. Rita was nowhere to be found.

 The room seemed to spin around him as he stumbled forward, his eyes scanning every inch of the space as if willing her to materialize. But the bed was unmade, the pillows tossed aside, and Rita's usual perfume was absent. The stillness was oppressive, a heavy blanket that suffocated him.

 Carlson's mind raced with questions. Where Rita was? Had she left him? Was she in danger? The uncertainty was suffocating, making his breath come in short gasps. He felt like he was drowning in a sea of unknowns, his consciousness screaming at him that something was terribly wrong.

 And then, like a punch to the gut, it hit him with the realization that his intuition had been trying to tell him something all along. The feeling of unease, the sense of disquiet. It had all been leading to this moment. Rita was gone, and Carlson was left with a chasm of fear and uncertainty that threatened to consume him whole.

 Carlson's hands trembled as he dialed Rita's mum, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios. The phone rang repeatedly, but there was no answer. He tried again, his anxiety spiking with each passing moment. Still no response. The screen glared back at him, mocking him with the words "Not Available." 

 Panic set in, with breath coming in short gasps. He quickly scrolled through his contacts and dialed Samuel's number, his fingers moving on autopilot. As the phone rang, Carlson's mind whirled with dark thoughts. Where was Rita? Was she okay?

 Carlson called Samuel's phone immediately. Samuel picked up the phone and Carlson spoke on the other side of the line,"Samuel, it's Carlson. I need you to come to my house. Now." The words grumbled out in a rush, laced with urgency.

 Samuel's voice was calm, but curious. "What's wrong, Carlson? Is everything okay?" 

 " No it's not okay, Rita is missing. I need your help." Carlson's voice cracked, his tone serious. " What's going on? Did you guys have a fight or something?"

 I don't know, man. I came home and she was just gone. Her phone is not available and I have this bad feeling. I can't explain it. Just get here please." 

 " Stay calm, Carlson, I will be there in ten minutes. We will figure this out. "

 Carlson paced back and forth in his living room, his eyes fixed on the door. He felt like he was losing his grip on reality. Where was Rita? What was happening? The minutes ticked by in glacial pave, each one stretching out like an eternity. Finally, the doorbell rang, and Carlson flung open the door to let Samuel in. His personal driver's face, Samuel, was grim, a deep furrow etched on his forehead.

 Tell me everything, "Samuel said, his voice firm but gentle. " Samuel, did you pick Rita up from work this evening?" Carlson asked, his eyes fixed intently on his driver. Samuel thought for a moment before responding," No sir. I didn't pick her up. I was told she had made other arrangements to get home."

 Carlson's brow furrowed in concern. " Other arrangements, what kind of arrangements?"

 Samuel shrugged. " I am not sure, sir. I was just told she wouldn't need a ride home."

 Carlson's mind began to race with possibilities. Had Rita forgotten to tell him something? Had she planned a surprise? Or had something more sinister happened?

 "Samuel, do you think it's possible that Rita was kidnapped? Carlson asked, his voice laced with worry.

Samuel's expression turned serious." I don't know sir. But we should definitely investigate. I will review the security footage and see if anything suspicious shows up.

 Carlson nodded, his heart racing with fear. He had to find Rita and fast.


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