The wall clock read 12.34 a.m. and there was still no word from Dahlia. Most likely, her phone battery died out and that would be very inconvenient because there was no way of reaching her to ask where she was.
Chris was worried beyond belief. He must have had bore a hole on the carpet he had been restlessly pacing around on but he just could not help it. He was given the task to take care of his little sister for just fifteen minutes and he could not even do that simple task. Of all the times he could have chosen to be unfocused, he chose those fifteen minutes and now he was dealing with the consequences. What if some pervert chance upon her? Or a serial killer? Chris involuntarily shivered at that.
A loud grunt startled Chris. He nervously glanced at his father who was sitting on the couch with a menacing scowl on his face. Of course Chris knew that scowl was directed towards him - the irresponsible brother who was distracted by a limited edition Batman figurine. Chris really regretted his mistake and would even go on his knees to apologize but he knew very well that in doing so, Dahlia would not just simply appear at their doorstep. If his mother was still alive, she would have been livid as well but she had better patience than her husband in spite of the dire circumstances since what has been done cannot be undone.
Wiping his sweat off his face, Chris let out a heavy sigh. He had spent the past three hours searching for his little sister everywhere in the amusement park but was met with no good news. He even tried asking around but none of the people there noticed the small and petite girl. Trying to control his tears, Chris bit his lip hard that he felt some blood coming out. Guilt was quickly eating him up and the discouraging stares from his father was not helping things. Chris felt suffocated so he headed upstairs to his sister's room.
Dahlia's room was as big as his and was decorated with pink wallpapers with posters of unicorns and some of her favourite cartoons. Chris walked towards the small bed with a pink comforter and slowly sat down at the edge of it. He started surveying the room, taking in all the features of the room and finally realized how much he missed his sister. He had always viewed his little sister as a huge nuisance and had called her a bunch of unkind names without even batting an eye. And now, he regretted doing all that and he may have had no opportunity to apologize to her. Chris tried controlling his tears but a choked sob sounded from his throat and in a few seconds, he was bawling, not caring if his neighbours were woken up from his loud cries.
"Chris? Why are you crying?" Chris whipped his head at the source of the soft, familiar voice to find Dahlia slipping out from the comforter and rubbing her eyes cutely.
"Dahlia?! You're back!" Chris raised his voice, in excitement and relief before enveloping his little sister in a tight embrace, burying his head at the crook of her neck. He could tell that his sister was confused without looking at her but she said nothing and returned the hug. The details could wait. For now, Chris wanted to relish the affectionate moment.
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