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.

behind the old house,

the old house, with Remi holding Lizetta's

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

Remi's hand tighter; her worry for Joe was mixed with a sense of

to Hannah, who showed anxious love for Joe,

wondered if Remi felt

up?" Remi caught her gaze,

her head, only gripping his

Lizetta thought Joe might go was 'Willow Cottage' in

speak into the hollow of the tree at

for Remi

I'll call him

scare him. You're his brother; show some patience. Or I seriously doubt Joy will have

little patience he had

on up," he conceded, stepping forward to hoist

easily climbed into

Joseph was found in

who we have here, hiding and crying like