413 He's Found

The shrill ring of the phone pierced the usual morning calm in Principal Thompson's office. He glanced at the caller ID—it was Mrs. Nelson, a name usually associated with lost permission slips or forgotten homework. He picked up the receiver, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Good morning, Mrs. Nelson. What can I do for you today?" "Principal Thompson," Mrs. Nelson's voice crackled with barely suppressed panic. "It's about Kenneth." "He claims he saw Aiden in the hospital!" Principal Thompson's amusement vanished. Aiden Reynolds, a bright student with a quiet demeanor, had been missing for days. The news had sent a ripple of unease through the school community. "In the hospital?" he echoed, his voice turning serious. "Are you sure, Mrs. Nelson?" "That's what Kenneth said!" Apparently, they were visiting his grandma, and he saw Aiden in a room down the hall. He said Aiden looked pale and confused." The gears in Principal Thompson's mind started turning. "Did Kenneth mention whi