Caleb's POV
I gently pull the door shut behind me, allowing them to rest peacefully, then make my way down the hallway toward my own room. The entire space feels different since Riley disappeared from my life, and having them just across the hall makes the emptiness even more pronounced. As I drift off to sleep, countless questions swirl through my mind like a storm. Tomorrow, I pray she'll provide the answers I desperately need.
The moment consciousness returns, I immediately head straight to the children's room, only to find their beds empty. Panic shoots through my chest as I bolt down the staircase, my mind instantly conjuring the worst possible scenarios. Then the sweet sound of children giggling mixed with my mother's warm laughter drifts from the kitchen, washing away my fears. I round the corner to discover my parents seated at the dining table, entertaining the kids with animated gestures and silly faces.
