Megan said I was making the situation sound worse than it had been.
I asked where, exactly, she had searched for Lily during that supposed hour.
She said everywhere.
I asked whether she had spoken with customer service.
She hesitated.
Then she said she could not remember.
I asked whether she had called me.
No answer.
I asked whether she had called Mom.
Nothing.
I asked why she had left the store at all if she believed a missing five-year-old was still somewhere inside.
Mom interrupted and said I was interrogating my sister.
Officer Ruiz told everyone to speak one at a time.
Lily stayed close enough that her fingers were twisted into the back of my shirt.
I could feel every small movement.
At 7:46, my phone rang.
Mr. Hall’s name was on the screen.
I answered immediately.
His voice no longer sounded dismissive.
He told me the security system had captured more than he expected.
