Derek is in a state of desperation as he searches for his daughter, Amber, who has been missing for a week. The police have uncovered no evidence, but a chance meeting with a homeless individual in possession of Amber’s backpack presents a new opportunity, instilling Derek with renewed hope in his quest to locate her.

As he made his way to the police station, Derek felt an overwhelming weight of anxiety. It had been a week since Amber had left home, and there had been no sightings of her. Despite the police’s efforts, she appeared to have disappeared without a trace.

Throughout the week, Derek found no solace. Sleep eluded him, and his thoughts were consumed with concern for his daughter. The police had attempted to comfort him, suggesting that she might return on her own, yet Derek sensed that something was amiss.

Derek and Amber shared a profound bond. He had raised her alone after his ex-wife departed when Amber was merely two years old. She was his entire world, and the prospect of losing her was unbearable.

Upon arriving at the police station, the officer assigned to Amber’s case greeted him with a sympathetic expression but offered no new updates. “Derek, we will notify you as soon as we have any information,” the officer assured him. Derek let out a heavy sigh. A week had passed, and still, there were no leads.

Derek took a longer route home to gather his thoughts, but his mind continually returned to Amber. Unexpectedly, he noticed a homeless woman carrying a bag that looked strikingly familiar. It was Amber’s backpack. Derek approached her, his voice trembling as he inquired about its origin. “I found it at the bus station; a teenage girl left it behind,” she responded.

Filled with a sense of hope, Derek opened the backpack and discovered a water bottle along with a folded note. The note contained an address with the words “Hostess Family” written beneath it. Realizing it was located in a different city, Derek set off immediately.

Upon reaching the address, Derek knocked on the door and was met by a woman who informed him that Amber had not arrived. Feeling disheartened, Derek decided to head back home. While driving, he spotted his ex-wife, Miranda, sitting in a café. He approached her, suspecting that Amber might have sought her out.

Initially, Miranda claimed to know nothing, but when Derek discovered Amber’s inhaler in the bag, she admitted the truth. Amber, having overheard their conversation, fled, prompting Derek to pursue her. He eventually found her in tears on a bench, and they were able to reconcile.

“I’m so sorry, Dad. I didn’t mean to worry you,” Amber said. Derek hugged her tightly. “It’s okay. You just wanted to meet your mom. But you’re grounded for two weeks,” he added, trying to lighten the mood. Amber smiled, feeling safe and loved again.