Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Remi turned his head towards Lizetta, "Any idea where Joe might have gone?"

Hannah, overhearing the conversation, immediately raised her voice.

"Give the phone to Lizetta! I'll ask her!"

But Remi's voice dropped, firm and concerned, "I'll get someone on it."

It was clear that he was worried about Hannah saying something more to Lizetta, so he cut off their conversation.

However, Lizetta snatched the phone from Remi, saying, "Joe hasn't contacted me, and no, I haven't hidden him away."

At Lizetta's words, Hannah broke down, "Lizetta, Joe could pass out at any moment. He ran away because of you; you must know where he is. Please, think!" Hannah's voice lost its edge, now carrying a plea.

Lizetta, being a mother herself, understood the panic and desperation of a mother whose child is missing.

She replied softly, "Joe is my brother; I'm just as worried. Trust me, I'll think it over and work with Remi to find him as soon as possible."

After hanging up, Lizetta looked at Remi.

house, and he might be

continued towards the old house, with Remi

much. He's smart, and he wouldn't just

tighter; her worry for

Joe, she barely acted

if Remi felt

Remi caught her

only gripping his hand

go was 'Willow Cottage' in the woods behind the old

would take him there, teaching him to speak into the hollow of the tree at

for Remi

I'll call him out,"

his mouth, "Don't scare him. You're his brother; show some patience. Or I seriously doubt Joy will have

had

up," he conceded, stepping forward to hoist Lizetta onto his

easily climbed into 'Willow

found in a

have here, hiding and