Chapter 36

After Cecilia got into the car, she immediately provided the address of Gladys' kindergarten. With over a day and night passing without seeing Gladys, she was frantic. She carefully pondered the details of the last time Gladys went missing. Her child was smart; when lost, she wouldn't panic and wander aimlessly. Despite her fear, she would wait in one place for Cecilia to find her! Cecilia broke out in a cold sweat again, her mind in turmoil. Her thoughts were consumed with the kindergarten, where Gladys might be. Her hands trembled as they clasped together against her quivering lips. "Gladys, where are you?" She was engulfed in a closed-off world, oblivious to the fact that the driver was heading in the opposite direction of the city center. With no air conditioning in the car, the windows were rolled down, but the sour smell lingered. Occasionally, the chirping of crickets echoed in Cecilia's ears, snapping her back to reality. She wanted to see where they were headed. The night was