As the twilight descended and the stars began to flicker ominously overhead, Leon gripped the steering wheel with a determined intensity. His calm exterior was a mask, hiding the tumult within as he navigated the streets back to his office, little Mumu nestled beside him. The boy's eyes were wide, reflecting his fear of the chaos that had erupted at home, chaos exacerbated by Mira's unexplained absence. Two days without her felt like an eternity for both of them.
As he entered the sleek glass building of Deskmore Enterprises, a hush enveloped him. Employees parted hesitantly, like wary sailors observing an approaching storm. Their eyes filled with a mixture of respect, fear, and an underlying pity created a palpable tension in the air. Unflattering rumors had spread like wildfire throughout Ravengrade City, igniting dread with each passing moment.
In his office, James and Finn awaited him, their expressions a mix of concern and intrigue as they spotted Mumu nestled in his arms.
"Leon, why did you bring him?" James inquired, his voice laced with curiosity.
"I need him with me," Leon affirmed, his tone clipped as he gently ruffled Mumu's hair and guided him to the sofa. His demeanor shifted dramatically; the weight of the world pressed heavily on his shoulders.
"James, have you managed the news?" Leon asked, his eyes narrowing as he leaned closer.
"We've contained it for now, but we're awaiting your instructions," James replied, visibly wary.
Leon clenched his fists on the desk, the weight of responsibility bearing down on him. "Announce that the celebrations are postponed. Mira was in a car accident and is being treated at Hales Hospital. We'll provide further updates once we know she's stable. Additionally, issue a personal apology to all invitees. I want this sealed by morning."
"Understood," James said, urgency clear in his demeanor as he departed with a hastened pace.
As the door closed behind him, Leon turned to Finn, his heart racing. "Finn, what's the latest on the accident?"
Finn pulled out his phone, his expression grim. "We're still piecing things together. We tracked down the cab driver. He mentioned something strange…" He began playing an audio recording.
"The girl was… different. Completely covered in this weather. I asked her if she was all right, but she just stared. The only thing she said was to stop at a liquor and flower shop, I thought it was odd… she just had this look on her face—sad, yet somehow hopeful. It was ..." Finn stopped abruptly, looking at Leon with alarm.
"She seemed to be in a world of her own… But it didn't feel like just a simple stop. There was something more going on." Before Leon could ask what that might mean, Finn's phone buzzed with an incoming call. The screen flashed with the hospital's number...